Final answer:
Capnography is mandated mainly for patients under anesthesia to monitor CO2 levels and ensure proper ventilation, especially for those with respiratory conditions or receiving supplemental oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Capnography is a monitoring tool that measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in respiratory gases, which is particularly important for patients under certain medical conditions or treatments. While capnography can be useful in managing various respiratory issues, it is especially mandated for patients undergoing anesthesia, to ensure proper ventilation and gas exchange during surgical procedures. Capnography allows for the early detection of hypoventilation, which can lead to hypercapnia (an elevated level of CO2 in the blood), a condition often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other pulmonary issues such as pneumonia. Patients with a history of respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, likely have compromised lung function, and capnography would be essential in monitoring their CO2 levels during procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia. Additionally, smokers and patients receiving supplemental oxygen, as in the case of severe sleep apnea treated with a CPAP machine, might also benefit from capnography to ensure appropriate oxygenation and ventilation. However, among the options listed (history of COPD, history of asthma, being a smoker, receiving oxygen), capnography becomes explicitly mandated in situations where patients display factors that can increase the risk of respiratory complications, typically during procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia, which can affect respiratory function.