Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures in Ventilated Patients

There is no accepted standard for the frequency of monitoring endotracheal tube cuff pressures (ETCP). Investigators plan on comparing two strategies for monitoring ETCP in mechanically ventilated patients. The two strategies will be the currently employed practice at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH) which requires ETCP to be assessed immediately after the endotracheal tube is placed and after any manipulation of the endotracheal tube to include repositioning, manipulation of the cuff volume, or presence of an audible leak. Investigator will compare this current practice to a more intensive monitoring of ETCP which is employed at some hospitals and includes the same elements as noted in the current practice plus monitoring ETCP every work shift (every 8 hours or three times per day).