ABSTRACT: Capnography is a gold standard, invaluable tool used to show ventilation under anaesthetic by measuring the volume of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2). This article will explore the basics of capnography, how to interpret this information and how to deal with abnormalities. This article will also briefly discuss other methods of obtaining information on a patients CO2 output and different types of capnographs that are available in practice.

Author(s)

Tasmin Maclennan, BSc (Hons) RVN

Tasmin graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a First-class Honour’s degree in Veterinary Nursing in June 2018. Since then, she has been working in a small animal first opinion and referral practice in the North of Scotland with her interests mainly being in surgical nursing and anaesthesia.

Email:tasmin.maclennan@crownvets.co.uk

Robyn McCurry, RVN, APVN (Zoo)

Robyn qualified form North Highland College in 2017 and currently works in a small animal practice. Robyn has an interest in exotics and has completed the advanced programme in Zoo animal nursing. She is currently studying towards a national certificate in anaesthesia but her main passion is teaching and mentoring students through her role as a clinical coach. Robyn is also interested in emergency nursing and intensive care medical cases in practice.

Email: robyn.mccury@crownvets.co.uk

Keywords: capnography; ETCO2; anaesthesia monitoring; general practice; nursing

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 35 (08) • August 2020 pp231-234

To gain access to this article, select one of the links below:

I am a BVNA member

I am accessing through my Institute

I am paying to gain access to this article