EtCO2 and Epi

Q: During cardiac resuscitation, administration of epinephrine may cause erroneous ___________ in End-Tidal CO2 (EtCO2)? - select one

A) rise 

B) fall

Answer: B

The use of EtCO2 is on the rise in the ICU for various reasons. It is important to know the confounding factors.

EtCO2 may decrease rapidly moments after administration of epinephrine, although hemodynamics may show improvement. This effect is short-lived, though.

#resuscitation

#hemodynamics

Reference:

Sandroni C, De Santis P, D'Arrigo S. Capnography during cardiac arrest. Resuscitation 2018; 132:73.