What should be monitored post-intubation?

Monitoring end-tidal CO2 levels after intubation is crucial for confirming proper placement of the endotracheal tube and assessing the effectiveness of ventilation. It provides direct information about the patient's ventilation status and identifies whether the tube is in the correct position in the trachea or if it may have inadvertently entered the esophagus. Normal end-tidal CO2 levels indicate that carbon dioxide is being effectively transported from the tissues to the lungs for exhalation, reflecting that the airway is patent and ventilation is occurring properly.

While heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature are all important vital signs that should also be monitored in a post-intubation scenario, they do not provide the specific information related to the airway status and ventilation as end-tidal CO2 does. Thus, end-tidal CO2 monitoring is essential for assessing the immediate results of the intubation procedure and ensuring patient safety.