How do you recognize a normal capnography trace and identify abnormal shapes such as curare cleft and 'shark fin'?

How do you recognize a normal capnography trace and identify abnormal shapes such as curare cleft and 'shark fin'?

• A. Normal trace shows a sharp upstroke, plateau; curare cleft indicates spontaneous effort or ventilator asynchrony; 'shark fin' indicates bronchospasm or obstructive disease with prolonged expiratory limb.
• B. Normal trace shows a sudden spike; curare cleft artifact; shark fin normal.
• C. Normal trace: flat line; curare cleft: good blockade; shark fin: hyperventilation.
• D. Normal trace: irregular; curare cleft: patient awakening; shark fin: pulmonary edema.

Answer: (A)