Final answer:
Spontaneous breathing can affect the capnography tracing by causing variations in the waveform and possible increase in end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is breathing spontaneously, it can affect the capnography tracing in a few ways.
First, the capnography waveform might appear smaller and less regular compared to a patient who is being mechanically ventilated. This is because spontaneous breathing can cause variations in the depth and rate of breaths, resulting in a less consistent waveform.
Additionally, if the patient is hypoventilating or experiencing airway obstruction, the capnography tracing may show a gradual increase in the end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels, indicating a buildup of carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath.