What is the primary purpose of capnography during EEI?

• A. Measure blood pressure
• B. Assess airway edema
• C. Determine patient pain level
• D. Confirm endotracheal tube placement and monitor ventilation by measuring exhaled CO2

Answer: (D)

Capnography provides real-time feedback on ventilation by measuring end-tidal CO2 in exhaled breath. In emergency endotracheal intubation, its primary purpose is to confirm that the tube is in the trachea and to continuously monitor ventilation. A detectable and consistent end-tidal CO2 with a normal waveform verifies tracheal placement, while an absent or flat trace raises concern for esophageal intubation or tube disconnection. This monitoring also helps you track ventilation quality and catch problems early, such as apnea, hypoventilation, or tube displacement. It isn’t used to measure blood pressure, assess airway edema, or determine pain level.