Role of Respiratory Rate Derived From Capnography in Sedated Patients

Patients undergoing colonoscopy under sedation were randomly assigned to receive standard capnography monitoring or modified capnography monitoring which can be achieved by tucking capnography probe under the face mask.74 patients were enrolled. Patient characteristics were well balanced between the two groups 37 patients in each group.

If Respiratory rate below 14 b/m: more sedation isn't not advised and the patient may develop airway obstruction and needs airway intervention ( like jaw thrust or oral airway) If respiratory rate more than 20 b/m it means this patient is prone to awake or to move and this patient in need for incremental dose of sedative drug ( e.g 20 to 30 mg propofol) Also roughly speaking respiratory rate from 16 to 18 b/m is the target