Capnography MCQs – Anesthesia

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 13, 2024

Capnography MCQs – Anesthesia

1. What does capnography measure during anesthesia?
   a) Blood pressure
   b) Heart rate
   c) Carbon dioxide concentration
   d) Oxygen saturationAnswer: c) Carbon dioxide concentration
2. Which of the following is a common use of capnography in anesthesia?
   a) Monitoring blood glucose levels
   b) Assessing carbon dioxide levels in expired air
   c) Measuring blood pressure
   d) Evaluating patient temperatureAnswer: b) Assessing carbon dioxide levels in expired air
3. What is the typical waveform pattern produced by capnography called?
   a) ECG waveform
   b) Capnogram
   c) Oscillogram
   d) SpirogramAnswer: b) Capnogram
4. Which phase of the capnogram represents the end-tidal CO2 concentration?
   a) Phase I
   b) Phase II
   c) Phase III
   d) Phase IVAnswer: c) Phase III
5. What is the normal range for end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) in a healthy adult during anesthesia?
   a) 20-30 mmHg
   b) 30-40 mmHg
   c) 40-50 mmHg
   d) 50-60 mmHgAnswer: b) 30-40 mmHg
6. Which condition could cause an elevated end-tidal CO2 reading?
   a) Hypoventilation
   b) Hyperventilation
   c) Respiratory alkalosis
   d) Metabolic acidosisAnswer: a) Hypoventilation
7. What does a sudden drop in end-tidal CO2 indicate during anesthesia?
   a) Improved ventilation
   b) Potential airway obstruction
   c) Increased blood flow
   d) Increased carbon dioxide productionAnswer: b) Potential airway obstruction
8. Which factor can cause a falsely high EtCO2 reading?
   a) Hyperventilation
   b) Hypothermia
   c) Malfunctioning capnometer
   d) Low cardiac outputAnswer: c) Malfunctioning capnometer
9. What is the main advantage of using capnography over other methods for monitoring ventilation?
   a) It measures blood pressure directly
   b) It provides real-time feedback on ventilation
   c) It assesses oxygen saturation
   d) It is less invasive than other methodsAnswer: b) It provides real-time feedback on ventilation
10. Which component of the capnogram waveform corresponds to the exhalation of CO2?
    a) Phase I
    b) Phase II
    c) Phase III
    d) Phase IVAnswer: b) Phase II
11. What can a consistent sloping of the phase III portion of the capnogram indicate?
    a) Proper ventilation
    b) Airway obstruction or disease
    c) Hyperventilation
    d) Low CO2 levelsAnswer: b) Airway obstruction or disease
12. In which type of anesthesia is capnography especially critical?
    a) Local anesthesia
    b) General anesthesia
    c) Epidural anesthesia
    d) Regional anesthesiaAnswer: b) General anesthesia
13. What is a common cause of a sudden increase in EtCO2 during surgery?
    a) Hyperventilation
    b) Hypoventilation
    c) Sudden increase in CO2 production
    d) Low CO2 productionAnswer: c) Sudden increase in CO2 production
14. Which of the following does NOT affect capnography readings?
    a) Proper calibration
    b) Ambient temperature
    c) Patient movement
    d) Patient’s ageAnswer: d) Patient’s age
15. What does a capnogram with a sharp upstroke and downward slope indicate?
    a) Proper alveolar ventilation
    b) Airway obstruction
    c) Increased cardiac output
    d) Normal oxygenationAnswer: b) Airway obstruction
16. Which device is used to measure capnography in anesthesia?
    a) Pulse oximeter
    b) Capnometer
    c) Thermometer
    d) GlucometerAnswer: b) Capnometer
17. What is the effect of placing the capnometer probe incorrectly?
    a) Accurate readings
    b) Consistent EtCO2 values
    c) Misleading or inaccurate readings
    d) Enhanced CO2 measurementAnswer: c) Misleading or inaccurate readings
18. What could cause a “shark fin” appearance in a capnogram?
    a) Normal expiration
    b) Obstructive lung disease
    c) Hyperventilation
    d) Accurate calibrationAnswer: b) Obstructive lung disease
19. During which phase of the capnogram is the concentration of CO2 typically highest?
    a) Phase I
    b) Phase II
    c) Phase III
    d) Phase IVAnswer: c) Phase III
20. What should be done if the capnogram shows no waveform during anesthesia?
    a) Increase the oxygen flow
    b) Check for equipment malfunction
    c) Decrease ventilation
    d) Change the probe locationAnswer: b) Check for equipment malfunction
21. What is the primary cause of a “bump” or “notch” on the capnogram waveform?
    a) Normal alveolar ventilation
    b) Endotracheal tube displacement
    c) Proper calibration
    d) Adequate ventilationAnswer: b) Endotracheal tube displacement
22. Which of the following can cause a low EtCO2 reading despite adequate ventilation?
    a) Hypoventilation
    b) Dead space ventilation
    c) Hyperventilation
    d) Increased CO2 productionAnswer: b) Dead space ventilation
23. What does the phase I of the capnogram waveform represent?
    a) Expired air with no CO2
    b) Rapid rise in CO2 concentration
    c) Plateau of CO2 concentration
    d) End of expirationAnswer: a) Expired air with no CO2
24. Which condition could cause a capnogram to display a “curved” phase III slope?
    a) Proper ventilation
    b) Airway obstruction or emphysema
    c) Low cardiac output
    d) Normal respiratory rateAnswer: b) Airway obstruction or emphysema
25. What action is typically required if there is a discrepancy between the capnography reading and the patient’s clinical status?
    a) Increase the anesthetic dosage
    b) Check for equipment malfunctions and recalibrate
    c) Adjust the patient’s position
    d) Decrease oxygen flowAnswer: b) Check for equipment malfunctions and recalibrate
26. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the capnogram during hypoventilation?
    a) Elevated EtCO2 levels
    b) Decreased EtCO2 levels
    c) Rapid decrease in EtCO2
    d) Normal EtCO2 levelsAnswer: a) Elevated EtCO2 levels
27. Which phase of the capnogram reflects the final expiration of CO2 before inspiration begins?
    a) Phase I
    b) Phase II
    c) Phase III
    d) Phase IVAnswer: c) Phase III
28. What does the phase II of the capnogram typically represent?
    a) Expired air with no CO2
    b) Rapid increase in CO2 concentration
    c) Plateau of CO2 concentration
    d) Beginning of inspirationAnswer: b) Rapid increase in CO2 concentration
29. What could be indicated by a consistently high EtCO2 reading during a procedure?
    a) Increased ventilation
    b) Hypoventilation or increased CO2 production
    c) Low CO2 levels
    d) Effective oxygenationAnswer: b) Hypoventilation or increased CO2 production
30. What does a “flat” or “blunted” phase III of the capnogram indicate?
    a) Increased ventilation
    b) Decreased CO2 production
    c) Obstructive airway disease
    d) Low EtCO2 levelsAnswer: c) Obstructive airway disease
31. Which of the following is a potential cause of a false low EtCO2 reading?
    a) Hypoventilation
    b) Leaky endotracheal tube
    c) Normal ventilation
    d) Increased cardiac outputAnswer: b) Leaky endotracheal tube
32. What can a sudden decrease in EtCO2 during a surgical procedure suggest?
    a) Improved patient condition
    b) Airway obstruction or disconnect
    c) Increased ventilation efficiency
    d) Stable patient conditionAnswer: b) Airway obstruction or disconnect
33. What does a “sawtooth” pattern on the capnogram indicate?
    a) Proper capnograph calibration
    b) Severe airway obstruction
    c) Normal CO2 levels
    d) Good patient ventilationAnswer: b) Severe airway obstruction
34. Which physiological condition can lead to an increased EtCO2 reading?
    a) Hyperventilation
    b) Hypocapnia
    c) Metabolic acidosis
    d) Respiratory alkalosisAnswer: c) Metabolic acidosis
35. Which equipment issue could lead to inaccurate capnography readings?
    a) Proper probe calibration
    b) Secure probe attachment
    c) Malfunctioning sensor
    d) Regular equipment maintenanceAnswer: c) Malfunctioning sensor
36. What does a prolonged phase I of the capnogram typically suggest?
    a) Normal respiratory function
    b) Significant dead space ventilation
    c) Increased CO2 production
    d) Improved alveolar ventilationAnswer: b) Significant dead space ventilation
37. How should capnography be used in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism?
    a) To measure blood glucose levels
    b) To assess CO2 levels and detect changes in ventilation
    c) To monitor heart rate
    d) To evaluate body temperatureAnswer: b) To assess CO2 levels and detect changes in ventilation
38. What does a “curved” rise in the EtCO2 waveform suggest?
    a) Normal expiration
    b) Increased CO2 production
    c) Airway obstruction
    d) HyperventilationAnswer: c) Airway obstruction
39. Which factor is least likely to affect capnography readings?
    a) Patient’s age
    b) Ambient light conditions
    c) Probe placement
    d) Proper equipment calibrationAnswer: a) Patient’s age
40. What does an abrupt drop in the EtCO2 level during anesthesia usually indicate?
    a) Improved ventilation
    b) Airway disconnection or obstruction
    c) Increased CO2 absorption
    d) Stable patient conditionAnswer: b) Airway disconnection or obstruction
41. Which capnogram phase is associated with the inhalation of fresh gas?
    a) Phase I
    b) Phase II
    c) Phase III
    d) Phase IVAnswer: a) Phase I
42. Which scenario is most likely to cause a capnogram waveform with a prolonged phase III?
    a) Normal ventilation
    b) Airway obstruction
    c) Hyperventilation
    d) Accurate equipment calibrationAnswer: b) Airway obstruction
43. What does the absence of a capnogram waveform during surgery indicate?
    a) Proper ventilation
    b) Equipment malfunction or airway issue
    c) Increased cardiac output
    d) Normal CO2 levelsAnswer: b) Equipment malfunction or airway issue
44. Which condition is associated with a normal EtCO2 level but a disturbed capnogram waveform?
    a) Proper ventilation
    b) Poor probe placement or malfunction
    c) Increased CO2 production
    d) Metabolic alkalosisAnswer: b) Poor probe placement or malfunction
45. What can a sharp downward slope on the capnogram waveform indicate?
    a) Normal expiration
    b) Airway obstruction
    c) Proper calibration
    d) HyperventilationAnswer: b) Airway obstruction
46. How can the accuracy of capnography readings be affected during a surgical procedure?
    a) By using multiple probes
    b) By maintaining proper ambient light conditions
    c) By ensuring proper probe placement and calibration
    d) By frequent patient movementAnswer: d) By frequent patient movement
47. What does an elevated EtCO2 level with a normal capnogram waveform indicate?
    a) Normal ventilation
    b) Hyperventilation
    c) Hypoventilation or increased CO2 production
    d) Decreased CO2 productionAnswer: c) Hypoventilation or increased CO2 production
48. What is the best practice for ensuring reliable capnography measurements?
    a) Regular equipment calibration and proper probe placement
    b) Frequent probe changes
    c) Using high-intensity ambient lighting
    d) Avoiding patient movementAnswer: a) Regular equipment calibration and proper probe placement
49. Which of the following is a common artifact in capnography readings?
    a) Accurate EtCO2 levels
    b) Rapid changes in CO2 concentration
    c) Normal waveform patterns
    d) Irregular waveforms due to motion artifactsAnswer: d) Irregular waveforms due to motion artifacts
50. What is the primary purpose of continuous capnography monitoring during anesthesia?
    a) To assess blood glucose levels
    b) To provide real-time feedback on ventilation and CO2 levels
    c) To measure heart rate
    d) To record patient movementAnswer: b) To provide real-time feedback on ventilation and CO2 levels

Topic-wise Anesthesia MCQs

1. Anesthesiology MCQs
2. Anesthesia Basics:
   • Levels of sedation and anesthesia MCQs
   • Stages of anesthesia MCQs
3. Anesthesia Agents MCQs:
   • Inhaled anesthetics MCQs
   • Intravenous anesthetics MCQs
   • Neuromuscular blocking agents MCQs
   • Local anesthetics MCQs
4. Airway Management:
   • Endotracheal intubation MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Supraglottic airway devices MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Video laryngoscopy MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Difficult airway management MCQs – Anesthesia
5. Anesthesia Monitoring MCQs – Anesthesia:
   • Hemodynamic monitoring MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Pulse oximetry MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Capnography MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Temperature monitoring MCQs – Anesthesia
6. Regional Anesthesia MCQs :
   • Epidural anesthesia MCQs
   • Spinal anesthesia MCQs
   • Peripheral nerve blocks MCQs
7. Patient Assessment and Optimization:
   • Pre-operative assessment MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Patient history and physical examination MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Risk assessment and optimization MCQs – Anesthesia
8. Anesthesia Delivery Systems MCQs:
   • Inhalation anesthesia machines MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Intravenous anesthesia techniques MCQs – Anesthesia
9. Pediatric Anesthesia MCQs :
   • Considerations for anesthesia in pediatric patients MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Pediatric airway management MCQs – Anesthesia
   • Pediatric drug dosages MCQs – Anesthesia
10. Obstetric Anesthesia MCQs – Anesthesia:
    • Anesthesia for labor and delivery MCQs
    • Epidural analgesia in obstetrics MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Anesthetic considerations for cesarean section
11. Anesthesia Complications and Emergencies MCQs:
    • Malignant hyperthermia MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Anaphylaxis MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Cardiac arrest during anesthesia MCQs – Anesthesia
12. Post-Anesthesia Care MCQs:
    • Recovery room management MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Pain management strategies MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Post-operative complications related to anesthesia MCQs
13. Geriatric Anesthesia:
    • Considerations for anesthesia in elderly patients MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Geriatric pharmacology MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Management of common comorbidities MCQs – Anesthesia
14. Ethics and Professionalism in Anesthesia MCQs:
    • Informed consent MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Patient autonomy MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Professional conduct and communication MCQs – Anesthesia
15. Simulation and Skills Training MCQs :
    • Hands-on training in airway management and procedures MCQs – Anesthesia
    • Simulation exercises for crisis management MCQs – Anesthesia