What is an important capability for monitoring in all intubated patients?

Monitoring end-tidal CO2 is critical for all intubated patients because it provides real-time information about the patient's ventilation status. It measures the concentration of carbon dioxide that is exhaled at the end of each breath, indicating how effectively CO2 is being cleared from the body. This is essential for assessing the adequacy of ventilation and ensuring that the patient is not hyperventilating or hypoventilating. Proper levels of end-tidal CO2 can help detect issues such as misplaced endotracheal tubes, respiratory depressions, or metabolic disturbances. Regular monitoring can guide clinicians in making immediate therapeutic decisions to ensure optimal respiration and patient safety.

While blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are also important vital signs to monitor, they do not specifically assess the effectiveness of ventilation and gas exchange, making end-tidal CO2 a vital parameter in the management of intubated patients.