1st May 2003
American Association for Respiratory Care - Professional Association
Summary,

GUIDELINE OBJECTIVE(S)

* To improve the consistency and appropriateness of respiratory care and serve as a guide for education and research
* To provide clinical practice guidelines on capnography/capnometry during mechanical ventilation

TARGET POPULATION

Patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support, for whom capnography is indicated (see Major Recommendations)

INTERVENTIONS AND PRACTICES CONSIDERED

Capnography, which comprises the continuous analysis and recording of carbon dioxide concentrations [CO₂] in respiratory gases. (Note: The terms capnography and capnometry are sometimes considered synonymous. While capnometry suggests measurement [i.e., analysis alone] without a continuous written record or waveform, capnographic records or waveforms may be time-based or volume-based.)

MAJOR OUTCOMES CONSIDERED

Accuracy, reliability, and utility of capnography/capnometry during mechanical ventilation