Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What is the benefit of using quantitative capnography in intubated patients?

1. It allows for monitoring of vital signs

2. It provides a measure of oxygen saturation

3. It allows for monitoring of CPR quality

4. It assesses the depth of compressions

The correct answer is: It allows for monitoring of CPR quality

Quantitative capnography is a valuable tool in monitoring the adequacy of ventilation in intubated patients. It measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, providing real-time feedback on the effectiveness of ventilation, which is crucial during resuscitation efforts. In the context of CPR, quantitative capnography helps to assess CPR quality by correlating the end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels with the effectiveness of chest compressions. Higher ETCO2 values typically indicate better perfusion and more effective compressions, as they reflect the amount of carbon dioxide being produced by the body's metabolic processes and effectively expelled during ventilation. This information is vital for guiding interventions during CPR, allowing healthcare providers to tailor their resuscitation efforts based on how well oxygenation and circulation are being established. On the other hand, the other options presented do not align with the primary function of quantitative capnography. It does not directly monitor vital signs or provide measures of oxygen saturation, which are typically assessed through other means such as pulse oximetry. Additionally, while it may indirectly reflect some aspects of the depth of compressions through ETCO2 levels, it is not specifically used to assess compression depth. Thus, the focus on monitoring CPR