How is end-tidal CO2 monitored during ventilation?

End-tidal CO2 monitoring during ventilation is primarily accomplished through capnography. This technique involves the measurement of carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath at the end of expiration, which provides valuable insight into a patient’s ventilation status and metabolism.

Capnography produces a graphical representation of CO2 levels over time during the respiratory cycle, displaying a waveform that reflects the different phases of breathing. The waveform records the rise and fall of CO2, allowing healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of ventilation, detect any abnormalities in respiratory status, and manage ventilation more effectively. Importantly, end-tidal CO2 levels correlate with arterial CO2 levels, making it a non-invasive, real-time method for monitoring a patient’s respiratory function without the need for blood draws.

In contrast, arterial blood gas analysis, while it provides valuable information about oxygenation and acid-base status, does not offer continuous monitoring and is more invasive. Pulse oximetry is focused on measuring blood oxygen saturation and does not provide any direct information about CO2 levels. A respiratory rate monitor simply tracks the number of breaths and cannot assess the effectiveness or quality of ventilation. Thus, capnography stands out as the method specifically tailored for monitoring end-tidal CO2 during ventilation.