01
Choose one
1 point
On a typical capnogram, during which part of the breath does the trace rise rapidly as exhaled gas mixes with CO₂-rich alveolar gas?
Free Practice Quiz Question List
5 Capnography and Respiratory Monitoring Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 5 Capnography and Respiratory Monitoring, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
20 questions
02
Written response
1 point
A clinician follows a breath-by-breath trace of exhaled CO₂ over time. What is this trace called?
03
True or false
1 point
True or false: In a patient with abnormal ventilation–perfusion matching, EtCO₂ can be treated as a direct substitute for PaCO₂ without considering clinical context.
- A
True
- B
False
04
Fill in the blank
1 point
On a typical capnogram, gas is predominantly alveolar during ; EtCO₂ is measured at the end of this phase.
05
Choose one
1 point
A patient’s capnogram develops a slanted, “shark-fin” plateau. Which interpretation is most supported by this waveform shape?
- A
CO₂ rebreathing from a faulty circuit
- B
A spontaneous inspiratory effort during controlled ventilation
- C
Expiratory airflow obstruction
- D
Return of spontaneous circulation
06
Choose all
1 point
A patient’s EtCO₂ is rising. Select all listed changes that may explain the rise.
- A
Hypoventilation
- B
Hyperventilation
- C
Increased CO₂ production
- D
Reduced pulmonary perfusion
- E
Improved pulmonary blood flow
07
True or false
1 point
True or false: A normal oxygen saturation while a patient is receiving supplemental oxygen does not rule out hypoventilation.
- A
True
- B
False
08
Written response
1 point
A monitor displays the numerical CO₂ value reached at the end of exhalation. What is this measurement called?
09
Fill in the blank
1 point
When a capnogram has an elevated inspiratory baseline, consider and check the equipment and circuit setup.
10
Choose one
1 point
A previously consistent capnogram suddenly disappears. What is the most appropriate general response?
- A
Assume the patient is apneic and wait for the next scheduled observation
- B
Use a normal oxygen saturation to rule out a serious problem
- C
Treat the displayed number as the only relevant finding
- D
Treat the change as urgent and assess the patient and monitoring system systematically
11
Choose all
1 point
After endotracheal intubation, select all statements that accurately describe the role of waveform capnography.
- A
Use continuous waveform capnography together with clinical assessment after intubation
- B
Rely on chest rise alone as definitive confirmation
- C
A sustained exhaled-CO₂ waveform over successive breaths strongly supports tracheal placement
- D
Use tube fogging alone as a reliable substitute for waveform monitoring
- E
Continue monitoring because a correctly placed tube can later become displaced or obstructed
12
Choose one
1 point
During cardiac arrest, a weak or absent exhaled-CO₂ trace is detected after intubation. Which statement best describes how to interpret this finding?
- A
An absent trace by itself proves that the tube is misplaced
- B
Low pulmonary blood flow can make an absent or weak trace less reliable as a standalone test
- C
A single EtCO₂ number is definitive proof of tube position
- D
Tube fogging alone is a reliable substitute for additional confirmation
13
Choose one
1 point
During CPR, EtCO₂ suddenly rises. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
- A
It confirms return of spontaneous circulation without further assessment
- B
It indicates CO₂ rebreathing in every case
- C
It may accompany return of spontaneous circulation, which should be confirmed clinically
- D
It proves that ventilation has stopped
14
Open ended
1 point
A notch appears in the alveolar plateau while a patient is receiving controlled ventilation. What might this waveform feature indicate, and what should the clinician assess?
15
Choose one
1 point
Which statement best describes the relationship between end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) and arterial CO₂ (PaCO₂)?
- A
EtCO₂ is always identical to PaCO₂ in stable adults.
- B
EtCO₂ is often a few mm Hg below PaCO₂, and the difference can widen in some clinical conditions.
- C
EtCO₂ is usually much higher than PaCO₂ because it measures inspired gas.
- D
EtCO₂ directly measures pulmonary perfusion, so it does not reflect ventilation.
16
Written response
1 point
At the end of which capnogram phase is EtCO₂ measured?
17
Choose one
1 point
A patient’s capnogram develops a slanted “shark-fin” plateau. What does this waveform most strongly suggest?
- A
A sudden improvement in pulmonary perfusion
- B
CO₂ rebreathing from a circuit problem
- C
Expiratory airflow obstruction
- D
A spontaneous inspiratory effort during controlled ventilation
18
Choose one
1 point
A capnogram’s inspiratory baseline is persistently elevated. Which interpretation and response best fit this finding?
- A
CO₂ rebreathing; check the relevant circuit components and setup.
- B
Expiratory airflow obstruction; check only the airway for bronchospasm.
- C
A spontaneous inspiratory effort; check patient–ventilator interaction.
- D
Improved pulmonary perfusion; check the pulse oximeter.
19
True or false
1 point
Capnography complements patient assessment and pulse oximetry rather than replacing them.
- A
True
- B
False
20
Written response
1 point
During CPR, a sudden rise in EtCO₂ may accompany what event, which must still be confirmed clinically?