What is capnography used for in patients with an advanced airway or ventilation support?

• A. To monitor pulse rate
• B. To confirm end-tidal CO2, verify tube placement, and monitor ventilation status
• C. To measure blood oxygenation
• D. To assess blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Capnography provides a real-time readout of exhaled CO2 and a CO2 waveform, which is essential when someone has an advanced airway or is on ventilation. This lets you confirm the tube is correctly placed in the trachea by showing consistent end-tidal CO2; little or no CO2 or a flat trace raises concern for esophageal intubation or a disconnection. It also continuously monitors ventilation status—the level of end-tidal CO2 and the shape of the capnogram tell you if ventilation is adequate, if there is hypoventilation or hyperventilation, airway obstruction, or a leak. In short, capnography is used to monitor end-tidal CO2, verify tube placement, and track ventilation status in real time. It’s specific to CO2 and ventilation, whereas pulse, oxygenation, and blood pressure are tracked by other monitors.