Quick checklist

Step 4: Post-intubation

Critical actions first, then pearls and pitfalls.

Critical actions

Tube secured and depth verbalized. Continuous ETCO₂ visible. Vent settings started intentionally. Sedation/analgesia active. OG/NG, CXR/US/ABG as appropriate. Tube-in-patient-worse pathway ready.

Pearls

Most airway disasters are not over when the tube passes the cords.
Vent settings should match physiology: obstructive, acidosis, ARDS, shock/RV.

Pitfalls

Leaving FiO₂/PEEP/RR unchanged without reassessment.
Forgetting hypotension, auto-PEEP, or ventilator dyssynchrony after the tube.

Educational resource only. Use institutional protocols, local policy, and bedside clinical judgment. Not a substitute for supervised training, medical direction, or emergency care guidance.