Which NIV monitoring parameter is listed for Level 2 assessment?

• A. Oximetry
• B. Capnography
• C. ECG monitor
• D. Transcutaneous monitor

Answer: (B)

Capnography provides real-time data on ventilation by measuring end-tidal CO2 in exhaled air, making it essential for Level 2 NIV assessment. It shows whether the patient is ventilating effectively, detects hypoventilation, apnea, airway obstruction, or sudden mask disconnections, and often alerts you to problems before oxygen saturation changes. While oximetry tracks oxygenation, it can miss ventilation issues since a patient may maintain normal SpO2 even with rising CO2. An ECG monitor informs about heart rhythm, not ventilation, and a transcutaneous CO2 monitor, though helpful, is less immediate and less routinely used for NIV compared with capnography. Together, capnography gives the critical, real-time ventilation picture needed at Level 2.