During a single-breath capnogram, the sharp downstroke and return to baseline that normally occurs after the end-tidal point indicates what?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sharp downstroke and return to baseline after the end-tidal point in a capnogram indicate the beginning of inspiration of fresh respiratory gas, as the patient starts to inhale air that does not contain CO2, causing the measured CO2 levels to drop sharply back to baseline.

During a Single-Breath Capnogram, the Sharp Downstroke and Return to Baseline