Alaris® EtCO2 module
Topic 1: Overview of End Tidal CO2 Monitoring

Resources

What Is the Physiology of Ventilation and Oxygenation?

1. O2 is inhaled into the lungs.
2. O2 is carried to cells via arterial blood.
3. O2 combines with glucose to form energy.
4. CO2 is formed as a byproduct of energy and returned to the lungs.
5. CO2 is eliminated in exhaled breath and measured by EtCO2.

Note: Pulse oximetry measures only oxygenation and is a late detector of respiratory depression.¹

¹American Society of Anesthesiologists task force on Sedation and Analgesia by non-anesthesiologists. Practice guidelines for sedation and analgesia by non-anesthesiologists. (2002). Anesthesiology 96:1004-1017.