How to Troubleshoot an Intubated Patient: D.O.P.E. Explained | ACLS Certification Association

When an intubated patient suddenly deteriorates, you need a fast, organized way to think through the possible causes. This video reviews the D.O.P.E. mnemonic, a simple and effective tool that helps healthcare providers respond quickly and systematically. D.O.P.E. stands for: ✅ Displaced tube ✅ Occluded tube ✅ Pneumothorax ✅ Equipment failure In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use D.O.P.E. to troubleshoot a worsening intubated patient and why the first step is to start with the patient, not the machine. What this video covers ▪️Why the D.O.P.E. mnemonic is useful in emergency airway management ▪️How continuous waveform capnography can help identify a displaced tube ▪️Why an obstructed ET tube should always be considered, and the role of in-line suction ▪️How positive-pressure ventilation can contribute to pneumothorax ▪️Why equipment failure includes checking oxygen supply, air supply, and ventilator readiness ▪️Why providers should bag the patient first if gas exchange is failing, then troubleshoot the ventilator This is a high-yield review for: ▪️Nurses ▪️Paramedics ▪️Respiratory therapists ▪️EMS and critical care transport teams ▪️Healthcare students preparing for ACLS-related airway and emergency care concepts Using a structured mnemonic like D.O.P.E. can improve speed, reduce missed causes, and help providers take the right next step when seconds matter. Earn your ACLS certification or recertification, visit: https://aclscertification.org/ #intubation #AirwayManagement #CriticalCare #ACLS #ACLScertification #ACLSCertificationAssociation #CPRdotcom Chapters: 00:00 Introduction – D.O.P.E. for Intubated Patients 00:41 D – Displaced Endotracheal Tube 01:55 O – Obstructed ET Tube 02:22 P – Pneumothorax Risk in Ventilated Patients 03:39 E – Equipment Failure and Oxygen Supply 04:08 Key Takeaways for the DOPE Mnemonic