The capnogram in the figure is indicative of which of the ...

[NClaborn]

The capnogram in the figure is indicative of which of the following conditions?
 
  a. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  b. Cardiac arrest
  c. Hyperventilation
  d. Pulmonary embolism

Question 2

The normal range for arterial-to-end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide P(a-et)CO2 is which of the following?
 
  a. 2-4 mm Hg
  b. 4-6 mm Hg
  c. 6 -8 mm Hg
  d. 8-10 mm Hg

[Bigfoot1984]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Phase 3 becomes indistinguishable when physiological dead space increases, as in chronic ob-structive pulmonary disease (COPD), and causes the capnogram to appear as it does in the figure. A cardiac arrest would lower the graph line to zero. Hyperventilation will decrease the alveolar plateau, but its shape would remain the same as a normal capnogram. A pulmonary embolism would also cause a drop in the alveolar plateau.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The arterial-to-end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide P(a-et)CO2 for tidal breathing should be approximately 4-6 mm Hg.

[NClaborn]

Thank you

[Bigfoot1984]

Happy to help you