Capnography in the gastroenterology lab.

This article provides the reader with information and education regarding the use of capnography for both adult and pediatric patients undergoing procedural sedation during endoscopy by: reviewing the basics of capnography, in addition to the physiology of ventilation and oxygenation; illustrating how capnography may provide an earlier warning of hypoxemia than does pulse oximetry; briefly discussing current guidelines for procedural sedation and the potential role of capnography; and reviewing clinical situations causing changes in the capnogram waveforms and the nursing interventions that should be made in response to such changes.