Final answer:
An advantage of mainstream monitors is that they are quick to respond to changes in gas concentration, allowing for faster and more accurate measurement of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
An advantage of mainstream monitors is that they are quick to respond to changes in gas concentration. Mainstream monitors measure gas concentration directly at the patient's airway. This allows for faster and more accurate measurement of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.
For example, when a patient's oxygen level drops, the mainstream monitor will quickly detect this change and provide an alert, allowing healthcare providers to intervene promptly.
In contrast, sidestream monitors measure gases in a remote location and require tubing to deliver samples to the monitor. This can lead to delays in measurement and a less timely response to changes in gas concentration.