What does a capnograph measure?

A capnograph is a medical device used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the respiratory gases that are exhaled by a patient. It provides valuable data regarding respiratory function and is particularly useful during anesthesia and critical patient monitoring. By measuring the levels of carbon dioxide, the capnograph can help assess ventilation and metabolic status, indicating how effectively carbon dioxide is being eliminated from the body. This measurement is crucial for ensuring that a patient is breathing adequately and that their metabolic processes are functioning correctly. The other options relate to different physiological measurements that are outside the scope of what a capnograph provides, making the correct choice the measurement of carbon dioxide produced.