Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of capnography in patient assessment?

1. It evaluates heart function

2. It monitors carbon dioxide levels in the blood

3. It assesses respiratory rate only

4. It determines oxygen saturation

The correct answer is: It monitors carbon dioxide levels in the blood

Capnography is a key tool in patient assessment primarily because it monitors carbon dioxide levels in the blood, specifically in exhaled breath. This process provides critical information about a patient's ventilatory status and can help identify respiratory issues such as hypoventilation or hyperventilation. The measurement of carbon dioxide levels is essential for understanding how well the body is eliminating carbon dioxide, which is a byproduct of metabolism. This real-time monitoring allows healthcare practitioners to make informed decisions regarding the need for interventions, such as the administration of supplemental oxygen or the initiation of advanced airway management. In emergency medical situations, capnography can offer insights into the patient's condition that are not readily available through other monitoring methods, enhancing overall patient care and outcomes. The other options do not accurately describe the function of capnography: it does not evaluate heart function, assess respiratory rate exclusively, or determine oxygen saturation, each of which is monitored by different tools or assessments in clinical practice.