Capnographic waveforms in the mechanically ventilated patient.

A focus on patient safety has heightened the awareness of patient monitoring. The importance of clinical applications of capnography continues to grow, as reflected by the increasing number of medical societies recommending its use. Recognition of changes in the capnogram assists in clinical decision making and treatment and can increase patient safety by alerting the clinician to important situations and changes. This article describes the interpretation of capnograms and how capnogram interpretation influences airway management.