What is capnography used to measure?

Capnography is a monitoring technique used to measure the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the respiratory gases. It is particularly valuable in clinical settings for assessing how well a patient is ventilating, indicating the effectiveness of carbon dioxide elimination from the body during respiration. By providing a continuous real-time measurement of CO2, capnography helps in monitoring the patient's breathing and can detect changes in respiratory status, such as hypoventilation or hyperventilation.

The data collected from capnography is displayed as a waveform, allowing healthcare professionals to analyze the patient's respiratory patterns over time. This is vital in settings such as anesthesia, emergency medicine, and critical care, where accurate monitoring of a patient's respiratory function can significantly impact outcomes. The measurements can also assist in assessing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and during sedation.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different physiological parameters that do not relate to capnography. Body temperature is measured using thermometers, blood pressure is assessed with sphygmomanometers, and heart rhythm is evaluated using electrocardiograms (ECGs) or pulse monitors, emphasizing how capnography has a specialized focus on carbon dioxide levels in the context of respiration.