What precaution is essential to prevent and detect tube dislodgement during mouth care of an oral ET tube?

To ensure the safety and proper placement of an oral endotracheal (ET) tube during mouth care, having one staff member hold the tube while another performs the care is essential. This practice provides a physical safeguard against accidental dislodgement. The staff member holding the tube can maintain its position in the trachea and ensure that it does not become misaligned or removed during the procedure, which could lead to airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation.

This precaution is particularly vital during mouth care because the manipulation of the oral cavity can inadvertently pull or shift the ET tube. Ensuring a secure hold establishes a clear line of communication and coordination between team members, which is critical during such interventions in a vulnerable patient population.

The other options do provide important considerations in managing patients with an ET tube. Confirming breath sounds is useful to ascertain that the tube remains in the correct position after care is completed, but it does not prevent dislodgement during the procedure itself. Using suction pressure within recommended limits is important for patient comfort and safety but is not directly related to tube stability during mouth care. Similarly, humidified gas helps manage secretions but does not address the risk of accidental tube displacement during oral hygiene procedures.