What is the importance of monitoring end-tidal CO2 during ventilation?

Monitoring end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) is essential for several reasons, with the primary importance being to assess the adequacy of ventilation and confirm proper tube placement. ETCO2 reflects the amount of carbon dioxide present in the exhaled air, which provides real-time feedback on a patient's ventilatory status.

When ventilation is adequate, the body effectively removes CO2, and there will be a corresponding level of carbon dioxide detected in the exhaled breath. If ETCO2 levels are too high, it indicates hypoventilation or inadequate ventilation, suggesting that the patient is not effectively expelling carbon dioxide. Conversely, low levels of ETCO2 can indicate hyperventilation, where excessive amounts of CO2 are being removed.

Additionally, monitoring ETCO2 is vital during intubation as it serves as a confirmation tool for verifying proper tube placement in the trachea. If the tube is correctly positioned, there will be a consistent and measurable level of CO2 detected. In cases of misplacement, such as when the endotracheal tube is placed in the esophagus, there would be little to no CO2 detected during exhalation, indicating a need to reposition the tube.

Other options like measuring lung