use of capnography as 'vital sign'

[deetta rn, emt-p]

I am curious as to the amount of use that capnography/ ETCO2 gets utilized for patients as another vital sign in various areas of the hospital and if such use has been implemented atanyone's facility based upon evidenced based research. Thanks- DeEtta

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Yes, we use capno all the time, even on extubated patients. Particularly those we think might be over narcotized on retained CO2 post extubation (after a lengthy anesthesia experience) or those who have brain injury (not extubated, someone somnolent) and are post crani.

[RedCell]

I am curious as to the amount of use that capnography/ ETCO2 gets utilized for patients as another vital sign in various areas of the hospital and if such use has been implemented atanyone's facility based upon evidenced based research. Thanks- DeEtta

I find that it is the most useful and important monitor I use other than my own vision and hearing. In my area of the hospital, it is a standard of care.

[AuntieRN]

I dont mean to sound stupid but what is capnography/ETCO2?

[amydayre]

ETCO2- end tidal carbon dioxide, is the exhaled or "end tidal" CO2 in a breath. For most intubated patients it is a standard of care to monitor ETCO2, norms are from 35-45, and capnography is the method by which end tidal CO2 is measured. We use it on all intubated patients that we transport, but I have never seen it used in a facility. That said, I have been a transport nurse for about 6 years now, so I have been "out of circulation" And Auntie, the only stupid question is the unasked one

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

I dont mean to sound stupid but what is capnography/ETCO2?

This is not a stupid question if you have never seen it before; if in doubt, ask away!

[BluegrassRN]

We just started using ETCO2 on all our pts who are using a PCA. It's a part of our new pumps.

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

We use it on our vented patients - it's good for noticing trends.

[deetta rn, emt-p]

that's really nice to see that etco2 monitoring is being used for people with pca, it can help us to see problems arising before they are upon us. Thanks for replying.

[deetta rn, emt-p]

I haven't seen it used very much in the hospital setting. But we use it all the time on intubated and respiratory pt's and those that we administer opiates or benzodiazepines to when transporting on the ambulance. But I was curious as to how freqently it is being used in the hospital setting or if it is only being used for intubated pt's. Thanks for your response