What is the target end-tidal CO2 during pediatric CPR?

What is the target end-tidal CO2 during pediatric CPR?

• A. 20-25 mmHg
• B. 50-60 mmHg
• C. 10-20 mmHg
• D. 30-40 mmHg

Answer: (D)

End-tidal CO2 during pediatric CPR reflects how well chest compressions are delivering blood to the lungs to carry away CO2. The goal is to maintain ETCO2 in the 30-40 mmHg range because this level indicates adequate cardiac output from compressions and better chances of return of spontaneous circulation. Values significantly lower (around 10-20 or 20-25) point to suboptimal perfusion and prompt you to improve the quality of compressions and ventilation. An ETCO2 in the 50-60 mmHg range is not typical during ongoing CPR and may indicate artifact or over-ventilation, whereas the important target during CPR is the 30-40 range. If ROSC occurs, ETCO2 often rises abruptly and then stabilizes at a higher level, confirming restored circulation.

End-tidal CO2 during pediatric CPR reflects how well chest compressions are delivering blood to the lungs to carry away CO2. The goal is to maintain ETCO2 in the 30-40 mmHg range because this level indicates adequate cardiac output from compressions and better chances of return of spontaneous circulation. Values significantly lower (around 10-20 or 20-25) point to suboptimal perfusion and prompt you to improve the quality of compressions and ventilation. An ETCO2 in the 50-60 mmHg range is not typical during ongoing CPR and may indicate artifact or over-ventilation, whereas the important target during CPR is the 30-40 range. If ROSC occurs, ETCO2 often rises abruptly and then stabilizes at a higher level, confirming restored circulation.