LO6 End Tidal Flashcards
why do we put end tidal on everyone
- Want to see whats going on in the lungs (bronchoconstriction)
- Want to see the effects of treatments
- Capnography (capnometry)
The measurement of carbon dioxide in exhaled breath
- Capnometer
The numeric measure of CO2
- Capnogram
The wave form produced with inspiration & expiration
- ETCO2 define
the level of partial pressure of carbon
-PaCO2
Partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood
3 things needed for 02
- Cardiac output
- Ventilation: gas exchange at the alveoli wall
- Metabolism: what the cells need to use oxygen
- CO2
is the “Gas of Life” produced from “The fire of life” metabolism
ETCO2
- Provides an immediate, real time, picture of the pt.’s condition
- Capnography will show immediate apnea
- Directly related to the ventilatory status of the pt.
SPO2
- Delayed, SpO2 can show high saturations for several minutes
- SPO2 will not show immediate apnea
- Directly related to oxygenation of the pt.
What else can ETCO2 tell us?
Not only can ETCO2 measure ventilation but . . . .
- It also indirectly measures metabolism & circulation
- An increased metabolism will
increase the production of carbon dioxide & increasing levels on the monitor
- A decreased metabolism will
decrease the amount of CO2 delivered to the lungs & decreases levels on the monitor
Intubated Capnography Patients
- EtCO2 is directly related to the ventilation status & can be used in intubated as well as non-intubated pt.’s
- Capnography in Intubated pt.’s can be used to:
o Verify ETT placement
o Monitor ETT position
o Assess ventilation and treatments
o Evaluate resuscitative efforts during CPR