A 63-year-old with severe pneumonia is intubated after faili…
A 63-year-old with severe pneumonia is intubated after failing high-flow oxygen. Immediately after insertion, the monitor shows SpO₂ 89%, BP 118/70, HR 110. Breath sounds are diminished on the left and present on the right. Condensation is visible in the tube. Which action should the nurse perform first to verify and optimize endotracheal tube placement?