What should be monitored during mechanical ventilation to ensure patient safety?

Monitoring capnography and vital signs during mechanical ventilation is essential for ensuring patient safety. Capnography provides real-time information about the concentration of carbon dioxide in the exhaled breaths, which is critical for assessing the effectiveness of ventilation. A sudden increase or decrease in the CO2 levels can indicate issues such as hypoventilation, hyperventilation, or equipment malfunction.

Additionally, monitoring vital signs—including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation—allows for the continuous assessment of the patient's overall stability and response to treatment. Changes in these parameters can signal complications or the need for adjustments to ventilatory support, facilitating timely interventions that can prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition.

While chest tube drainage, urine output, blood glucose levels, and nutritional intake may be important in certain clinical contexts, they do not provide the direct and immediate feedback necessary for managing a patient under mechanical ventilation as effectively as capnography and vital signs.