What is the normal range for end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) during capnography?

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Multiple Choice

What is the normal range for end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) during capnography?

EtCO2 is the amount of CO2 in the air exhaled at the end of a breath, and capnography uses this value to monitor how well the lungs are ventilating. In healthy ventilation, the end-tidal CO2 tracks arterial CO2 but is a bit lower because of dead space gas. In most pediatric and anesthesia-related monitoring, normal EtCO2 falls roughly in the mid-30s to around 40 mmHg range, with 30–35 mmHg representing a common lower-normal window in many practical settings. Among the given options, this range best reflects a typical steady-state normalEtCO2 value. Values much lower or higher than this can indicate hyperventilation, hypoventilation, or other issues with ventilation, perfusion, or equipment.

EtCO2 is the amount of CO2 in the air exhaled at the end of a breath, and capnography uses this value to monitor how well the lungs are ventilating. In healthy ventilation, the end-tidal CO2 tracks arterial CO2 but is a bit lower because of dead space gas. In most pediatric and anesthesia-related monitoring, normal EtCO2 falls roughly in the mid-30s to around 40 mmHg range, with 30–35 mmHg representing a common lower-normal window in many practical settings. Among the given options, this range best reflects a typical steady-state normalEtCO2 value. Values much lower or higher than this can indicate hyperventilation, hypoventilation, or other issues with ventilation, perfusion, or equipment.

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