Which of the following is an objective finding that confirms successful intubation?

The presence of an end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) waveform is an objective finding that confirms successful intubation because it directly indicates that the tube is positioned in the trachea and is capturing exhaled CO2. When the tube is properly placed in the trachea, the patient will exhale carbon dioxide during respiration, which can be detected by the ETCO2 monitor. This method provides a reliable indication that air is passing through the tube and into the lungs.

Although chest rise symmetry, visual confirmation of tube placement, and presence of breath sounds may provide supporting evidence for successful intubation, they are not as definitive or objective as the ETCO2 waveform. Chest rise symmetry might be affected by other factors, visual confirmation can be subjective, and breath sounds might still be present even in cases of esophageal intubation. Hence, the ETCO2 waveform serves as a clear and quantitative measure for confirming that the endotracheal tube is delivering air to the lungs effectively.