You have been called to help transport a sedated patient who has been endotracheally intubated and is on a capnometer. The vital signs are: pulse 88, respiration 12 (delivered through a ventilator), and blood pressure 106/64 mmHg. If the tube is in place, what should you see on the capnometer?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C because a capnometer measures the carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration in the air that the patient is exhaling. In a sedated patient who is intubated and on a ventilator, a reading of 40 mmHg on the capnometer indicates adequate ventilation and the fact that the tube is in place. A reading of near 0 CO₂ would indicate that the tube is not in the airway or that the patient is not ventilating at all. A decreasing SpO₂ reading would indicate inadequate oxygenation. Blood pressure can be affected by many factors and is not directly related to capnography.

You Have Been Called to Help Transport a Sedated Patient