In a newborn arterial blood gas, a normal PaCO2 is considered to be less than how many torr?

In a newborn arterial blood gas, a normal PaCO2 is considered to be less than how many torr?

• A. < 50 torr
• B. 7.30
• C. 3.0 liters
• D. > 60 torr

Answer: (A)

PaCO2 reflects how well a newborn is ventilating. For newborns, a PaCO2 value up to about 50 torr is considered normal because their lungs are still maturing and may not vent as efficiently as adults. Values under 50 indicate adequate CO2 removal. A PaCO2 above 50—especially above 60—suggests hypoventilation and possible respiratory compromise. The other options aren’t CO2 measures: a pH value (7.30) is not a pressure, and 3.0 liters is a volume, not a CO2 partial pressure.

PaCO2 reflects how well a newborn is ventilating. For newborns, a PaCO2 value up to about 50 torr is considered normal because their lungs are still maturing and may not vent as efficiently as adults. Values under 50 indicate adequate CO2 removal. A PaCO2 above 50—especially above 60—suggests hypoventilation and possible respiratory compromise. The other options aren’t CO2 measures: a pH value (7.30) is not a pressure, and 3.0 liters is a volume, not a CO2 partial pressure.