RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy

Capnography is a measurement of

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

  • Capnography is a non-invasive method specifically designed to monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled respiratory gases.
  • This measurement is referred to as end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), which provides a real-time assessment of a patient's ventilatory status.
  • The normal range for EtCO2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg, which closely approximates the partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2) in healthy individuals.
  • It is a critical tool for verifying the correct placement of advanced airways and can detect hypoventilation earlier than pulse oximetry.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: H ion concentration determines the acidity or alkalinity of the blood and is expressed as pH.
  • Option C: Bicarbonate (HCO3−) is a crucial buffer in the blood that indicates the metabolic component of a patient's acid-base status.
  • Option D: The anion gap is not a direct measurement but a calculated value derived from an electrolyte panel (Sodium - [Chloride + Bicarbonate]).

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and clinical use of capnography as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Capnography is considered the gold standard for confirming and continuously monitoring the placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT). A reading of zero indicates esophageal intubation.
  • During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), EtCO2 levels reflect the quality of chest compressions and pulmonary blood flow. A sudden spike in EtCO2 is an early indicator of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC).
  • It is invaluable for monitoring patients with respiratory distress or those receiving procedural sedation to detect hypoventilation or apnea promptly.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a specific medical device.
  • Identify the key term in the question stem: 'Capnography'.
  • Recall the primary function of capnography from your studies on respiratory monitoring and critical care.
  • The prefix 'capno-' relates to carbon dioxide, and '-graphy' relates to measurement or recording. This points directly to CO2 measurement.
  • Evaluate the other options. H+ ion (pH), bicarbonate, and anion gap are all related to acid-base balance and are measured via blood tests (ABG, electrolytes), not a respiratory monitor.
  • Select the option that aligns with the definition of capnography.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Definition and clinical use of capnography.
  • Stem keywords: Capnography, measurement
  • Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Qdcd96Ph33BUVhwxAhtqF8

Reference Book

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 720-722

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 24-26

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 575-577

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