END-TIDAL CARBON DIOXIDE DETECTION AND MONITORING: PATIENTS WHO ARE NON-INTUBATED

Course overview

End-tidal carbon dioxide (etCO2) is the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled air, which, in the absence of pathology, can often serve as an accurate measure of a patient’s alveolar ventilation status. EtCO2 is detected through capnography, the technique of measuring concentrations of CO2 in respired gases as either a partial pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or as a percentage of the exhaled air.This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of etCO2 detection and monitoring, including indications for the procedure, measurement of etCO2, and interpretation of results, and to aid in caring for the patient requiring this procedure. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.