How frequently should capnographic monitoring be performed on intubated patients?

Capnographic monitoring should be performed continuously on intubated patients. This constant monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's ventilatory status and the effectiveness of the ventilation being delivered. Continuous monitoring helps detect any changes in the patient's condition, such as hypoventilation or inadvertent extubation, in real-time, which is critical for making timely interventions. Moreover, capnography provides ongoing feedback about the patient's CO2 levels, contributing to better management of airway and breathing challenges throughout their treatment.

Other potential monitoring intervals, such as once a minute or every 5 minutes, may not provide sufficient oversight in critical situations where rapid changes can occur, while checking at the end of a shift doesn't ensure patient safety during the entire period of care. Therefore, continuous capnographic monitoring is essential for maintaining optimal respiratory function and ensuring patient safety following intubation.