What does a spirometer specifically measure during a breathing assessment?

A spirometer is a device specifically designed to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during breathing. This means it assesses ventilation rates, evaluating how effectively someone breathes in and out. It provides critical data on various lung capacities and flow rates that are vital in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions.

Understanding ventilation rates is crucial for identifying issues like obstructive or restrictive lung diseases, where airflow may be compromised. Spirometry can indicate the efficiency and effectiveness of breathing patterns, allowing healthcare providers to develop appropriate treatment plans based on the results obtained from the spirometer.

While the other options pertain to aspects of respiratory health, they do not fall under the specific function of a spirometer. For example, blood oxygen levels are measured using a pulse oximeter, and breath sounds are assessed through auscultation with a stethoscope. Carbon dioxide production, on the other hand, requires different measurement techniques to analyze metabolic activity but is not assessed by a spirometer.