NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Exit Practice Exam

An ET tube should be positioned how many centimeters above the carina?

0 to 1 8 to 12 2 to 6 centimeters above the carina 12 to 15

Correct Answer:

2 to 6 centimeters above the carina

Explanation:

Position the endotracheal tube tip a few centimeters above the carina. The carina is where the trachea splits into the main bronchi, so placing the tip about 2 to 6 centimeters above this point keeps both lungs ventilated while staying away from the bronchial entrance. If the tip is too deep, the tube can advance into a mainstem bronchus (often the right), causing unilateral ventilation. If the tip is too high in the trachea (as with 8–12 or 12–15 cm above the carina), the tube is easier to dislodge with movement and may fail to provide stable ventilation. In adults, an approximate depth of about 2–6 centimeters above the carina is the safest and most reliable range.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Exit Practice Exam for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions