Which statement best describes capnography in suspected traumatic brain injury?

• A. Capnography ETCO2 35 mmHg
• B. Immobilize fracture and assess distal pulses
• C. Needle decompression
• D. 3-sided occlusive dressing

Answer: (A)

Capnography guides ventilation by measuring end-tidal CO2, which mirrors the patient’s PaCO2 and helps manage brain-injury protection. In suspected traumatic brain injury, keeping CO2 in the normal range is crucial because too much CO2 causes cerebral vasodilation and higher intracranial pressure, while too little CO2 can reduce cerebral blood flow and worsen injury. Therefore aiming for an ETCO2 around 35 mmHg (within the normal range) supports stable cerebral perfusion and minimizes secondary brain injury. The other options describe general trauma actions or chest interventions, not capnography, so they don't describe its use in this context.