What is the purpose of "end-tidal CO2 monitoring"?

End-tidal CO2 monitoring serves a critical function in prehospital and clinical settings primarily by confirming the correct placement of an endotracheal tube and assessing a patient’s ventilation status. When an endotracheal tube is properly positioned in the trachea, the exhaled air will contain carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a byproduct of cellular metabolism. The presence of CO2 in the exhaled breath indicates that air is moving in and out of the lungs and that the tube is likely in the correct place.

The measurement also gives valuable information about the effectiveness of ventilation. For instance, if the level of CO2 is consistently low, it may indicate that the patient is not adequately ventilating and may require assistance or intervention. Conversely, unusually high levels may suggest inadequate respiratory function or inability to clear CO2 from the body.

This monitoring is particularly useful in emergency situations, as it provides immediate feedback on the patient's respiratory status, allowing responders to make timely decisions regarding airway management and ventilation support.