PETCO2 is:

PETCO2 is:

• A. Monitored by capnography
• B. Is the partial pressure of CO2 in exhaled air at the end of the exhalation phase
• C. Is an effective way to monitor ventilation when performing endotracheal intubation
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

PETCO2 represents the CO2 partial pressure in the air at the end of expiration. It’s measured continuously with capnography, which provides both a numerical value and a capnogram waveform. Because the end of the exhaled breath reflects alveolar CO2, PETCO2 is a real-time indicator of ventilation. In endotracheal intubation, a present and appropriate PETCO2 confirms ventilation and tracheal placement, while an absent or very low value raises concern for esophageal intubation or a disconnection. Therefore, PETCO2 is monitored by capnography, equals the end-tidal CO2 of exhaled air, and is an effective way to monitor ventilation during intubation.

PETCO2 represents the CO2 partial pressure in the air at the end of expiration. It’s measured continuously with capnography, which provides both a numerical value and a capnogram waveform. Because the end of the exhaled breath reflects alveolar CO2, PETCO2 is a real-time indicator of ventilation. In endotracheal intubation, a present and appropriate PETCO2 confirms ventilation and tracheal placement, while an absent or very low value raises concern for esophageal intubation or a disconnection. Therefore, PETCO2 is monitored by capnography, equals the end-tidal CO2 of exhaled air, and is an effective way to monitor ventilation during intubation.