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In the 1980s, capnography – also called end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) – and pulse oximetry (SpO2) were adopted as standard anesthesia monitors. Since then, the United States has seen a significant correlated decrease in anesthesia-related mortality. Pulse oximetry is used hospital-wide to measure blood oxygenation saturation. Capnography measures expired carbon dioxide levels and gives a quantitative value to ventilation adequacy. However, contrary to SpO2, EtCO2 is not regularly monitored in areas outside the operating room (OR) despite superior detection of respiratory compromise. Consequently, registered nurses (RNs) – central to postoperative care – are unfamiliar with the technology and may fail to realize the value in its use. Capnography has proven beneficial, and adoption by providers and nurses outside the OR should be encouraged.