It's Trivia Tuesday! CPR #2

What should waveform capnography be used for during CPR?

a. Confirm ETT placement
b. Diagnose hypoxemia
c. Detect asynchronies
d. Monitor CPR quality

d) Monitor CPR quality Soar J, Böttiger BW, Carli P, et al. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Adult advanced life support [published correction appears in Resuscitation. 2021 Oct;167:105-106]. Resuscitation. 2021;161:115-151. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.010(1)​

During CPR, waveform capnography should be used to monitor the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the patient's exhaled breath. This measurement can provide important information about the effectiveness of chest compressions and artificial ventilation. Specifically, waveform capnography can be used to:

1. Assess the quality of chest compressions: A good quality chest compression generates enough blood flow to deliver CO2 to the lungs for expiration. As a result, waveform capnography can help assess the quality of chest compressions by measuring the amount of CO2 in the exhaled breath.

2. Confirm and monitor the placement of the endotracheal tube: During CPR, if an endotracheal tube is inserted to secure the airway, waveform capnography can confirm the proper placement of the tube by measuring the CO2 levels in the exhaled breath. Additionally, waveform capnography can also be used to monitor the placement of the endotracheal tube throughout the resuscitation.

3. Monitor the effectiveness of ventilation: Waveform capnography can help monitor the effectiveness of artificial ventilation by measuring the CO2 levels in the exhaled breath. If the CO2 levels are too low or too high, it may indicate inadequate or excessive ventilation, respectively.

Overall, waveform capnography is an important tool that can help guide the management of patients during CPR by providing valuable information about ventilation and perfusion.