What is the role of capnography in monitoring anesthesia?

• A. To measure heart rate during sedation
• B. To indicate the patient's hydration status
• C. To measure carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air, indicating ventilation status
• D. To assess the depth of anesthesia

Answer: (C)

Capnography is a valuable monitoring tool in anesthesia that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled air, which provides critical information about a patient's ventilation status. During anesthesia, it is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately ventilating. By monitoring CO2 levels, clinicians can detect hypoventilation or hyperventilation, which could indicate potential respiratory complications.

A rise in end-tidal CO2 levels can suggest inadequate ventilation or respiratory distress, while low levels may indicate hyperventilation or other respiratory issues. This real-time feedback allows for timely interventions, thereby enhancing patient safety during anesthesia. Thus, the role of capnography is fundamentally linked to assessing and managing ventilation, making it an essential component of anesthesia monitoring.