Question

Following the guidelines outlined in the respiratory failure standard, if using ETCO2 on a COPD or asthma patient and they have an initial ETCO2 of 50, what should we attempt to maintain their ETCO2 value to?

A) 20-25 mmHg
B) 30-35 mmHg
C) 40-45 mmHg
D) 50-55 mmHg

Answer 1

B) 30-35 mmHg

In treating COPD or asthma, the goal should be to maintain ETCO2 within the normal physiological limit, which is option 30-35 mmHg, considering the normal arterial carbon dioxide pressure range and safety in clinical practice.

Step-by-step explanation:

When treating a COPD or asthma patient using end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring, the initial ETCO2 value is 50 mmHg. According to reference values provided in the context, the normal arterial carbon dioxide pressure (pCO₂) range for males is 35-48 mm Hg and for females is 32-45 mm Hg. Based on this, the goal should be to maintain an ETCO2 that is within normal physiological limits. The best answer, considering standard clinical practice and safety, would be B) 30-35 mmHg. This range is slighly lower than the initial value and it provides a safe buffer without risking a rapid decrease in CO₂ that could potentially cause respiratory alkalosis in these patients. Treating clinicians must carefully monitor CO₂ levels because both COPD and asthma patients typically have a higher baseline CO₂ due to compromised respiratory function.