Haste Makes Waste

ANSWER

The chest radiograph shows an endotracheal tube within the right main stem bronchus. There is no evidence of any other acute pathology (eg, fracture, contusion, pneumothorax).

The tube needs to be withdrawn so that it sits just above the carina (see arrow). If not promptly addressed, incorrect placement of an endotracheal tube can lead to complications, including hypoxemia, pneumothorax, atelectasis, or complete collapse of the left lung.