Baseline observations and normal parameters - Capnography

Question 1

What is capnography?

Answer 1

the measurement of the percentage of CO2 in exhaled air

Question 2

What is the most efficient combination for measuring oxygen levels?

Answer 2

Capnography working together with pulse oximetry

Question 3

What are the two ways capnography can be used and when should one be used over the other?

Answer 3

A nasocapnography is used when there are no other conflicting nasal equipment’s in place, if not then an endotracheal should be used

Question 4

What 2 things can capnography provide valuable information about?

Answer 4

endotracheal tube placement

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Question 5

What 3 ways are capnography superior to pulse oximetry?

Answer 5

Provides information on ventilation, blood flow, metabolism

Question 6

What are the measures for capnography?

Answer 6

kPa or mmHg

Question 7

What is the phase one a capnography waveoform?

Answer 7

Flat as no CO2
Rapid rise as Co2 reaches airway
The CO2 plateaus as exhaling based on cardiac output
A reading is then taken for capnography
Inspiration clears CO2 and levels drop

Question 8

What is the phase one of a capnography waveform?

Answer 8

Flat baseline as no CO2

Question 9

What is the phase two of a capnography waveform?

Answer 9

Rapid rise of CO2 as CO2 released from alveoli reach upper airway

Question 10

What is the phase three of a capnography waveform?

Answer 10

CO2 levels rise and then plateau, this level is related to cardiac output. A calculation for the end tidal CO2 is taken at the end of phase 3

Question 11

What is the phase 0 of a capnography waveform?

Answer 11

Inspiration begins and CO2 levels drop

Question 12

What are the normal ranges for end tidal carbon dioxide?

Answer 12

35-45mmHg]

4.0-5.7kPa

Question 13

What does bronchospasm look like on an end-tidal carbon dioxide waveform?

Answer 13

A less sharp increase in phase two, and a sloped top of the waveform, opposed to a flat plateau