Question

You are transporting a patient who is intubated and on a transport ventilator.​ Suddenly, your partner swerves the ambulance to avoid an accident and hits a rough patch on the shoulder of the​ highway, causing several seconds of severe vibration in the patient compartment. You quickly assess the patient and find that her ETCO2 has dropped to zero. This could be caused by any of the​ following, EXCEPT​:

Option 1: Dislodgement of ET Tube
Option 2: Cardiac Arrest
Option 3: Ventilator Malfunction
Option 4: Endotracheal Tube Obstruction

Answer 1

Main Answer:

The cause for the drop in ETCO2 that is least likely in this scenario is Option 2: Cardiac Arrest.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2: Cardiac Arrest.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this situation, the sudden vibration in the patient compartment could lead to a transient interruption in the capnography waveform, causing the ETCO2 reading to drop to zero. This doesn't necessarily indicate a cardiac arrest. A dislodgement of the ET tube, ventilator malfunction, or an endotracheal tube obstruction are more directly associated with a sudden loss of ETCO2.

Dislodgement of the ET tube can lead to a disconnection between the patient's airway and the ventilator, resulting in a lack of exhaled CO2 detection. Ventilator malfunction may cause inadequate ventilation, and an endotracheal tube obstruction can prevent the exhalation of CO2. Therefore, in the given scenario, the abrupt decrease in ETCO2 is more likely related to factors other than cardiac arrest.

It is crucial for healthcare providers to promptly identify and address the potential causes of ETCO2 changes to ensure the well-being of the intubated patient during transport. This involves a systematic approach to assessing the equipment, airway, and ventilation. Understanding the various factors that can influence ETCO2 readings is vital for making accurate clinical decisions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2: Cardiac Arrest.