Category
Monitoring
Typical Use
Measure end tidal carbon dioxide and ventilation adequacy.
Description
A bedside monitoring device that continuously measures and displays end tidal carbon dioxide EtCO2 waveforms and numeric values to assess ventilation, confirm endotracheal tube placement, and guide ventilator management; it provides real time feedback on alveolar ventilation, perfusion, and metabolic changes and is essential during anesthesia, procedural sedation, and critical care. Capnography aids detection of hypoventilation, apnea, circuit disconnection, and airway obstruction earlier than pulse oximetry, and interpretation requires understanding of waveform morphology, baseline, and peak values in the clinical context. Proper sampling line placement, calibration, and awareness of interfering factors such as high oxygen flows or secretions are necessary to ensure accurate readings. Integration with alarms and documentation supports timely interventions and improves patient safety during airway and respiratory management.