What is a potential radiological consequence of right mainstream intubation?

Right mainstream intubation can lead to unilateral lung ventilation, which occurs when the endotracheal tube is placed into the right mainstem bronchus instead of the trachea. This misplacement is significant because it results in ventilation only to the right lung while the left lung is inadequately ventilated. This can create serious implications for gas exchange, as the left lung will not receive the necessary airflow to participate in oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination.

In the case of unilateral lung ventilation, the affected lung (in this case, the left lung) may become atelectatic (collapsed), which can further complicate the patient's respiratory condition. It’s crucial for healthcare providers to recognize signs of this misplacement through physical examination and potentially radiological confirmation, ensuring that the tube is correctly positioned for optimal ventilation of both lungs.