What should be used to monitor the effectiveness of airway placement?

What should be used to monitor the effectiveness of airway placement?

• A. Pulse oximetry
• B. Quantitative waveform capnography
• C. ECG
• D. Blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Verifying airway placement relies on direct feedback about ventilation in real time. Quantitative waveform capnography provides that by measuring end-tidal CO2 and showing a continuous capnogram. After intubation, a detectable and consistent end-tidal CO2 confirms the tube is in the trachea and ventilation is reaching the lungs. The waveform also helps track ventilation over time and quickly flags esophageal intubation if CO2 is absent or markedly reduced. Pulse oximetry, while important for assessing oxygenation, does not tell you where the tube is or whether ventilation is effective right away; oxygen saturation can remain normal for a period even with incorrect placement or suboptimal ventilation. ECG monitors heart rhythm, not airway position, and blood pressure reflects circulation rather than confirming airway placement.

Verifying airway placement relies on direct feedback about ventilation in real time. Quantitative waveform capnography provides that by measuring end-tidal CO2 and showing a continuous capnogram. After intubation, a detectable and consistent end-tidal CO2 confirms the tube is in the trachea and ventilation is reaching the lungs. The waveform also helps track ventilation over time and quickly flags esophageal intubation if CO2 is absent or markedly reduced.

Pulse oximetry, while important for assessing oxygenation, does not tell you where the tube is or whether ventilation is effective right away; oxygen saturation can remain normal for a period even with incorrect placement or suboptimal ventilation. ECG monitors heart rhythm, not airway position, and blood pressure reflects circulation rather than confirming airway placement.