Which ETCO2 value during CPR indicates better prognosis?

Which ETCO2 value during CPR indicates better prognosis?

• A. End-tidal CO2 greater than 30-40 mmHg
• B. End-tidal CO2 greater than 10-20 mmHg
• C. End-tidal CO2 less than 5 mmHg
• D. End-tidal CO2 around 50 mmHg

Answer: (C)

End-tidal CO2 during CPR reflects how well chest compressions are delivering blood to the lungs. The more effective the perfusion, the more CO2 is carried to the lungs and exhaled, so the ETCO2 rises. A higher ETCO2 during CPR is therefore a sign of better perfusion and a greater chance of return of spontaneous circulation. In clinical practice, ETCO2 values above about 10–20 mmHg after a couple minutes of CPR are associated with a more favorable prognosis, whereas very low readings, such as less than 5 mmHg, indicate extremely poor perfusion and a poorer outlook. Values around 30–40 mmHg during ongoing CPR would be unusual and typically prompt reassessment, but the key idea is that higher ETCO2 signals better prognosis, not a very low level.

End-tidal CO2 during CPR reflects how well chest compressions are delivering blood to the lungs. The more effective the perfusion, the more CO2 is carried to the lungs and exhaled, so the ETCO2 rises. A higher ETCO2 during CPR is therefore a sign of better perfusion and a greater chance of return of spontaneous circulation. In clinical practice, ETCO2 values above about 10–20 mmHg after a couple minutes of CPR are associated with a more favorable prognosis, whereas very low readings, such as less than 5 mmHg, indicate extremely poor perfusion and a poorer outlook. Values around 30–40 mmHg during ongoing CPR would be unusual and typically prompt reassessment, but the key idea is that higher ETCO2 signals better prognosis, not a very low level.