Which type of breathing monitor measures the carbon dioxide levels exhaled by the patient?

A capnometer is specifically designed to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in exhaled air. This device provides valuable information regarding the respiratory function of a patient by monitoring how well CO2 is being expelled from the body. It is particularly useful in various medical settings such as during anesthesia, in emergency situations, and in critical care to ensure that a patient's ventilation is adequate.

In contrast, a pulsimeter is used to measure the pulse rate and can also provide information on the peripheral circulation, but it does not specifically measure gas exchange. A cardioscope, often referred to in modern terminology as a cardiac monitor, is used to observe the heart's electrical activity and does not provide data on breathing gases. An oximeter measures the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, focusing on oxygen rather than carbon dioxide. Thus, the capnometer stands out as the appropriate choice for monitoring exhaled carbon dioxide levels.