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Rescue pathway

Abnormal vital signs after intubation

Translate the vital sign into a failure bucket.

Low SpO₂Open hypoxia pathway.Low BPOpen hypotension pathway.Low EtCO₂Open EtCO₂ pathway.

Bradycardia

  • Treat hypoxia first.
  • Consider vagal response, hypoxia, medication effect, acidosis, hyperkalemia, or arrest.

Tachycardia / hypertension

  • Pain/awareness, hypoxia, hypercarbia, inadequate sedation, sympathomimetics, or underlying disease.

Low EtCO₂

  • Low perfusion/arrest, dislodged tube, leak/disconnect, severe hyperventilation, or sampling problem.