Capnography

Question 1

What is the a-ADO2?

Answer 1

It is the difference between ETCO2 and PaCO2. This is normally 2-5. it increases with age, emphysema, PE, Decreased CO

Question 2

Decreased ETCO2 due to metabolic stuff: whatchu thinkin?

Answer 2

Hypothermia

Hypothyroidism

Question 3

Decreased CO2 due to changes in elimination: whatchu thinkin?

Answer 3

Hyperventilation 
Increased Dead Space (V without P) 
Decreased CO/cardiac arrest 
circuit leadk/occlusion
Pulmonary embolism (air, thrombus, gas, fat, marrow)

Question 4

Increased CO2 due to metabolic?

Answer 4

Increased production (MH, thyrotoxicosis)
Hyperthermia
Shivering or convulsions
Sepsis

Question 5

Increased CO2 due to change in elimination:

Answer 5

revreathing
hypoventilation
decreased ventilation (not breathing, high spinal)

Question 6

Random causes of increased CO2:

Answer 6

Excessive catecholamine production
administration of blood or bicarbonate
CO2 used during the surgery

Question 7

Causes of minimal to zero ETCO2, or a sudden drop to near zero

Answer 7

Equipment malfunction 
ETT disconnect 
Bronchospasm 
Cardiac arrest 
massive PE 
bilateral PTX
Sudden severe hypotension

Question 8

At what time would ETCO2 not be a reliable indicator of adeqate ACLS?

Answer 8

If high dose epi or bicarb is given