Capnography Flashcards
PACO2
concentration of CO2 in the alveoli
PaCO2
concentration of CO2 in the arteries
EtCO2
concentration of CO2 in expired gas
how much higher is PaCO2 than EtCO2 normally?
3-5mmHg
dilutes as it travels to the capnograph
Do PaCO2 and EtCO2 normally correlate?
yes if PaCO2 increases so does EtCO2
When is the exception to PaCO2 and EtCO2 correlation?
pulmonary embolism
PaCO2 increase
EtCO2 decrease
what are the effects of hypercarbia?
- repiratory acidosis
- central (pulmonary) vasoconstriction
- peripheral and cerebral vasodilation
- sympathetic response/catecholamine release
- CO2 narcosis
- possible death
respiratory acidosis
pH decrease b/c H increases
catecholamines (vaspressors) don’t work as well
central (pulmonary) vasoconstriction
increased PVR
when should hypercarbia be avoided specifically?
neurosurgery
CO2 narcosis
CO2 acts as a sedative if it reaches 70mmHg
What PaCO2 is equal to 1 MAC?
200mmHg
What PaCO2 could cause death?
> 120mmHg
What are the effects of hypocarbia
- respiratory alkalosis
- central (pulmonary) vasodilation
- peripheral and cerebral vasoconstriction
what is the gold standard for confirmation of ETT placement?
etCO2
how fast does PaCO2 rise during apnea?
first min= 6mmHg
each min after 3-4mmHg
Phase 0
inspiration
CO2 = 0
Phase I
beginning expiration
CO2 = 0
represents anatomic deadspace
Phase II
portion of expiration where CO2 is first seen
Phase III
CO2 plateau
Phase IV
end of plateau
curare cleft
when there is a dip in the plateau
pt is trying to breath over the ventilator
what else can cause a curare cleft?
surgeon is pushing on the chest
what are the two options to treat a curare cleft
- suppress their drive to breath
2. turn off the vent and let the patient breathe