What should a neonatal/pediatric specialist do if the PETCO2 monitor reads zero after re-taping an endotracheal tube?

If the PETCO2 monitor reads zero after re-taping an endotracheal tube, the most appropriate action is to remove the endotracheal tube. A reading of zero indicates that there is no exhaled carbon dioxide being detected, which can be a sign that the tube is either misplaced or has been obstructed. When assessing a patient’s ventilatory status, the presence of PETCO2 is essential as it reflects the adequacy of ventilation.

If the tube is in the correct position in the trachea, there should be some level of carbon dioxide detected; thus, a zero reading suggests a critical problem that must be addressed immediately. Removing the tube will allow for the opportunity to re-assess the airway, ensuring that the patient is receiving adequate ventilation and to potentially secure the airway with a properly placed tube.

The other options, while they may have relevance in different contexts, do not directly address the immediate concern indicated by the zero reading. Advancing the tube or suctioning could potentially worsen an already problematic situation, and performing a chest x-ray would take time and not provide a timely intervention to resolve the issue. Therefore, for safety and effective patient care, removing the endotracheal tube is the most logical