1. A medical device that measures and displays the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath, used to monitor respiratory function during anesthesia and critical care.
Usage: medical/clinical term; also called capnometer when referring to the measurement device itself

Examples

• The anesthesiologist checked the capnograph to ensure the patient's breathing was adequate during surgery.
• A capnograph provides real-time feedback on the patient's ventilation status in the intensive care unit.
• The capnograph reading showed a sudden drop in carbon dioxide levels, alerting the medical team to a potential problem.
• Modern capnographs are standard equipment in operating rooms and emergency departments.
• The nurse monitored the capnograph waveform to confirm proper endotracheal tube placement.