Which monitoring technology is essential to detect airway or ventilation problems during general anesthesia?

• A. ECG monitoring.
• B. Pulse oximetry.
• C. Capnography.
• D. Temperature monitoring.

Answer: (C)

Real-time assessment of ventilation during anesthesia is essential to catch airway problems quickly. Capnography measures end-tidal CO2 and presents a waveform that reflects how well air is moving in and out of the lungs, confirming airway patency and effective ventilation. This immediate feedback helps detect disconnections, endotracheal tube misplacement, airway obstruction, or hypoventilation long before oxygen levels drop. In contrast, ECG focuses on heart rhythm, not ventilation; pulse oximetry shows oxygen saturation, which can remain normal despite ventilation problems and thus may delay detection; temperature monitoring is not related to airway status. Therefore, capnography provides the most direct and timely indication of airway and ventilation status during general anesthesia.