Sedation Capnography app for iPhone and iPad

Objectives
The learner will be able to:

* Define the components of CO2 monitoring.

* Discuss Pros and Cons of Capnography.

* Review respiratory cycle.

* Compare Capnography to Oximetry.

* Identify Parts of the Wave Form.



Capnography

* Can be an integral part of the monitoring done in moderate and procedural sedation.

* Is used to monitor / measure the amount of carbon dioxide in respiratory gases.

* Provides information about the effectiveness of respiration’s and end-tidal carbon dioxide values.



Capnography vs Oximetry

* Capnography monitors ventilation, while pulse oximetry monitors oxygenation.

* Capnography thus provides breath-to-breath feedback, and changes in breathing, like apnea, are reflected immediately.

* Changes in pulse oximetry can lag behind breathing changes.



Basic Physiology

* Carbon dioxide is produced in the tissues by metabolism and is then diffused into the blood via the venous system (this is basically equal to cardiac output)

* The blood carrying carbon dioxide enters the right side of the heart and from there travels to the lungs.

* This is where oxygen enters the blood.



Increased Safety of Nurse Sedation

* Acute respiratory events or respiratory depression were earlier identified due to the monitoring of the waveforms on the capnography monitor.

* Capnography can also help detect alveolar hypoventilation even in the presence of supplemental oxygen.

* The use of capnography can reduce hypoxemia and lead to better outcomes in patients undergoing moderate sedation.