Capnography ETCO2 target range?

Capnography ETCO2 target range?

• A. 20 torr or 2%-3%
• B. 25 torr or 3%-4%
• C. 30 torr or 3%-5%
• D. 35 torr or 4%-6%

Answer: (C)

End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) represents the CO2 concentration at the end of a expired breath and is used as a noninvasive indicator of ventilation status. In healthy ventilation, ETCO2 is a close, but slightly lower, reflection of arterial CO2 (PaCO2) because of dead space ventilation. Clinically meaningful targets for ETCO2 fall in the mid-range of normal ventilation, often summarized as around 30 torr, which corresponds to about 3–5% on some capnography readouts. This range helps ensure adequate alveolar ventilation without over-ventilating or under-ventilating the patient. Values notably lower suggest hyperventilation, while values notably higher suggest hypoventilation or increased CO2 production.

End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) represents the CO2 concentration at the end of a expired breath and is used as a noninvasive indicator of ventilation status. In healthy ventilation, ETCO2 is a close, but slightly lower, reflection of arterial CO2 (PaCO2) because of dead space ventilation. Clinically meaningful targets for ETCO2 fall in the mid-range of normal ventilation, often summarized as around 30 torr, which corresponds to about 3–5% on some capnography readouts. This range helps ensure adequate alveolar ventilation without over-ventilating or under-ventilating the patient. Values notably lower suggest hyperventilation, while values notably higher suggest hypoventilation or increased CO2 production.