Which statement about end-tidal CO2 monitoring during airway management is true?

• A. It is not necessary
• B. It helps monitor ventilation adequacy and confirm tube placement
• C. It replaces pulse oximetry
• D. It is only used with bag-valve masks

Answer: (B)

End-tidal CO2 monitoring provides real-time feedback on ventilation and is a reliable sign of airway patency. The presence of a CO2 waveform and measurable ETCO2 confirms that air is moving from the lungs through the airway and into the sensor, which strongly indicates the endotracheal tube is correctly placed in the trachea rather than the esophagus. It also shows how effectively the patient is ventilating—drops, rises, or absence of the waveform can warn you about inadequate ventilation, apnea, or displacement of the tube. This tool is a standard part of airway management because it gives immediate, actionable information during intubation and subsequent ventilation. It does not replace pulse oximetry, which measures oxygenation rather than ventilation, and it is not limited to bag-valve mask use; it is used with endotracheal tubes and other airway devices as well.