Clinical Tip: Three "arms" hold endotracheal tube in place

To stabilize an endotracheal tube after intubation, I make three "arms" at one end of the adhesive tape by cutting the end of the tape into thirds. One arm attaches to the patient's upper lip, the middle one holds the tube in place, and the third attaches to the lower lip or jaw. If I need to pull up the tube, I just detach the middle arm and adjust the length of the tube, then put the tape back in position.

Amar Dave, MDOttawa, Ill.