Introduction to Capnography

The Introduction to Capnography course offers an overview of the basic principles of capnography. Understanding the range of normal values, or capnometry, in conjunction with interpreting etCO₂ waveforms, or capnography, is integral in assessing the quality of patient ventilation for the intubated and the non-intubated patient.

This course begins with a review of the tracheobronchial tree, end-tidal CO₂, SpO₂, and the difference between oxygenation and ventilation. Definitions of common terms used in capnography will also be reviewed. Additionally, the course introduces the technology available for monitoring CO₂ removal during breathing and assessing a patient’s ventilatory status.

Finally, the four phases of the exhalation cycle are presented with their corresponding waveforms. An opportunity to identify normal and abnormal waveforms and interpret the data provided by capnographic waveforms will also be provided.