What EtCO2 value is considered normal for ROSC assessment?

What EtCO2 value is considered normal for ROSC assessment?

• A. Normal, 35-45 mmHg
• B. 20-30 mmHg
• C. 10-20 mmHg
• D. 50-60 mmHg

Answer: (A)

End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) reflects how well blood flow is delivering CO2 to the lungs and how effectively the lungs are exchanging gases. When perfusion and ventilation are adequate, EtCO2 falls in a normal, healthy range of about 35-45 mmHg. In the setting of resuscitation, maintaining EtCO2 in this range indicates good circulation and gas exchange. A return of spontaneous circulation is typically marked by a rise toward this normal range, sometimes even reaching the higher end, while persistently low values suggest ongoing poor perfusion. Values much outside this range are not consistent with normal ROSC physiology.

End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) reflects how well blood flow is delivering CO2 to the lungs and how effectively the lungs are exchanging gases. When perfusion and ventilation are adequate, EtCO2 falls in a normal, healthy range of about 35-45 mmHg. In the setting of resuscitation, maintaining EtCO2 in this range indicates good circulation and gas exchange. A return of spontaneous circulation is typically marked by a rise toward this normal range, sometimes even reaching the higher end, while persistently low values suggest ongoing poor perfusion. Values much outside this range are not consistent with normal ROSC physiology.