Which method of pulmonary assessment is utilized for surgical patients requiring mechanical ventilation by measurement of end-tidal CO2?

Capnography is a critical method of pulmonary assessment used for patients requiring mechanical ventilation, particularly in the surgical setting. It measures the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the exhaled air, specifically at the end of expiration, known as end-tidal CO2. This measurement is essential for monitoring a patient’s ventilation status, indicating how effectively CO2 is being eliminated from the body during the respiratory cycle.

In surgical settings, where patients may be under general anesthesia and mechanically ventilated, capnography provides real-time feedback on the patient's metabolic status and respiratory function. This is especially important because changes in end-tidal CO2 levels can reveal issues such as hypoventilation or hyperventilation, respiratory distress, or even potential complications like airway obstruction.

Other methods mentioned, such as spirometry, bronchoscopy, and pulmonary function tests, serve different purposes. Spirometry assesses the volume and flow of air during inhalation and exhalation but does not measure CO2 levels. Bronchoscopy allows for direct visualization of the airways and can aid in diagnosis or treatment of airway diseases but is not primarily focused on CO2 monitoring. Pulmonary function tests provide comprehensive information about lung function but do not offer real-time analysis of end