What does a capnogram represent?

A capnogram is a graphical representation that shows the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air exhaled by a patient over time. This waveform provides critical real-time information about a patient’s ventilation status and overall respiratory function. It reflects changes in CO2 levels during the phases of breathing, highlighting aspects such as effective ventilation and metabolic processes.

Understanding the capnogram is crucial during procedures that involve sedation, as it helps monitor how well a patient is breathing and can indicate potential complications. For instance, an abnormal waveform might suggest hypoventilation, inadequate oxygenation, or issues with airway patency, which are important factors in patient safety during sedation.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a capnogram:

• The volume of oxygen in the blood is typically represented by pulse oximetry, not a capnogram.

• A capnogram does not monitor the heart rhythm, which is assessed by an electrocardiogram (ECG).

• While the capnogram can provide indirect information about respiratory rate through its waveform, it is not limited to measuring just the rate alone, making it not solely indicative of that parameter.

Overall, the capnogram (represented by option B) serves as