During intubation, changes in ETCO2 should prompt monitoring of which arterial blood gas component?

During intubation, changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels are critical indicators of the effectiveness of ventilation and circulation. If the ETCO2 values increase or decrease significantly, it suggests potential issues with the patient's respiratory or metabolic status.

In this context, monitoring the pH levels of arterial blood gases becomes paramount. The pH level reflects the acid-base balance in the body, which can shift due to hypoventilation (leading to increased CO2 and decreased pH - acidosis) or hyperventilation (leading to decreased CO2 and increased pH - alkalosis). Changes in ETCO2 can help assess how well the patient is being ventilated and whether any subsequent interventions are required to correct acid-base imbalances. Therefore, it is essential to keep a close watch on blood pH levels following notable changes in ETCO2 during intubation to manage the patient's condition effectively.

On the other hand, while oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and heart rate are certainly important parameters to monitor in a critical care setting, they do not directly correlate with the immediate changes in ETCO2 in relation to airway management and ventilatory status. These parameters can provide a broader overview of the patient’s condition but