Capnography resource - anything to add?

[jwraider]

Sorry if this is a repeat link but I found the article very educational:

Capnography for Paramedics

Some of the highlights I thought were:

-Differentiating between obstructive disease and CHF

-Measuring cardiac output during a code and signs of ROSC

-Confirming tube placement with accuracy

-Monitoring sedated patients LOC

-Can show early signs of complications before a patient deteriotes or starts to wheeze for example

If anyone knows this stuff well and can tell me if this is possible:

A V/Q mismatch is when C02 is obstructed from leaving the lungs such as with a pulmonary embolism so that the monitor shows a low level of C02 but in reality a high level may exist in the blood.

I get that as medics we cant go to an ABG but is there anything that can be looked at that proves this and that can help differentiate a PE? The article does mention there will be a low C02 reading with a PE due to both hyperventilation and obstruction but this is the case for several other conditions as well.

Thanks! I hope this is helpful for some.

[Ridryder 911]

There are several previous numerous posts on the use of capnography. From the use of monitoring for air entrapment to side stream, to DKA. Might check search for the previous posts.

R/r 911

[spenac]

http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.ph...ght=capnography

Some good links included in that discussion.