Question

What is the purpose of a capnograph/capnometer?

1) To measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath
2) To measure the concentration of oxygen in inhaled breath
3) To measure the concentration of nitrogen in exhaled breath
4) To measure the concentration of carbon monoxide in inhaled breath

Answer 1

The capnograph or capnometer is used to measure the CO2 levels in exhaled breath, which helps in monitoring respiratory status and understanding metabolic rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of a capnograph or capnometer is to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled breath. This tool is essential in monitoring a patient's respiratory status during medical procedures and can also indicate the patient's metabolic rate, as the amount of CO2 produced is directly related to the metabolic processes in the body. It can help in the assessment of a person's athletic conditioning and identify potential medical problems by analyzing the balance of gas exchange.