Which statement is true regarding the placement of the sensor in capnography?

The statement regarding the placement of the sensor in capnography being proximal to the patient's airway is accurate because the sensor is designed to monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. By placing the sensor proximal to the airway, typically between the ventilation source (such as an endotracheal tube or a face mask) and the patient, it ensures that the sensor is measuring the CO2 levels as they exit the lungs, providing real-time feedback on the patient’s ventilatory status. This placement is critical for accurate assessment of end-tidal CO2, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of ventilation and metabolic processes in a clinical setting.

For capnography to provide useful data, it needs to capture CO2 levels immediately after they leave the lungs, which is why proximity to the airway is essential. This setup allows healthcare professionals to quickly identify any respiratory issues that may arise during procedures or in intensive care settings.