What is capnography used for?

Capnography is primarily used for monitoring the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) that are exhaled by the patient. This technique provides valuable insight into a patient's ventilatory status, indicating how effectively CO2 is being expelled from the body. By displaying the concentration of CO2 throughout the breathing cycle, capnography can help clinicians identify issues such as hypoventilation, hyperventilation, or even emergency conditions like respiratory failure.

Understanding CO2 levels is critical in various medical situations, especially during sedation or anesthesia, where proper ventilation must be maintained. Additionally, monitoring exhaled CO2 can guide treatment decisions in patients with respiratory illnesses, helping to ensure that they receive appropriate care based on their carbon dioxide levels.

In contrast, measuring oxygen saturation, assessing heart rate, and checking blood pressure do not pertain to the use of capnography, as these involve different physiological parameters that are monitored through separate means.