Final answer:
The end-tidal carbon dioxide tracing not going back to baseline of '0' can be caused by an incompetent expiratory valve and exhausted soda lime granules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The end-tidal carbon dioxide tracing not going back to a baseline of '0' can be caused by multiple factors. In this case, the options given are:
- A) Incompetent expiratory valve: If the expiratory valve is not functioning properly, it may not close completely, leading to a continuous flow of exhaled air, which can prevent the end-tidal carbon dioxide from going back to baseline.
- C) Exhausted soda lime granules: Soda lime is used in anesthesia machines to absorb carbon dioxide. If the soda lime granules are exhausted, they will not effectively remove carbon dioxide from the exhaled air, resulting in a higher end-tidal carbon dioxide level.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) A and C. Incompetent expiratory valve and exhausted soda lime granules can both cause the end-tidal carbon dioxide tracing to not return to baseline.