What should be done after deflating the ETT cuff during extubation?

After deflating the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff during extubation, it's important to give a gentle positive pressure breath. This action helps to prevent airway collapse and ensures that the patient has adequate ventilation immediately after the tube is removed. It can also aid in clearing any secretions and maintaining oxygenation during the critical transition of extubation.

Providing positive pressure can support the patient’s breathing efforts until their own respiratory drive is fully effective post-extubation. The timing of this breath is crucial, as it lays a foundation for maintaining adequate gas exchange before the patient can fully resume spontaneous breathing.

Monitoring vital signs for stability is certainly important in the overall care of the patient, but it typically follows the immediate actions based on the extubation process, rather than as a direct action right after cuff deflation.