During CPR, a rising end-tidal CO2 value indicates what about perfusion?

During CPR, a rising end-tidal CO2 value indicates what about perfusion?

• A. Improved perfusion due to better chest compressions.
• B. Worsening perfusion.
• C. No change in perfusion.
• D. Increased ventilator rate.

Answer: (A)

A rising end-tidal CO2 during CPR is a real-time sign that perfusion is improving because chest compressions are pushing more blood forward to the lungs. More forward flow means more CO2 is delivered to the lungs to be exhaled, so the ETCO2 reading climbs. This reflects better pulmonary blood flow and overall CPR effectiveness. If perfusion were worsening, ETCO2 would drop; if perfusion stayed the same, ETCO2 would stay about the same. Merely increasing ventilator rate doesn't guarantee a higher ETCO2 unless it coincides with better circulation.

A rising end-tidal CO2 during CPR is a real-time sign that perfusion is improving because chest compressions are pushing more blood forward to the lungs. More forward flow means more CO2 is delivered to the lungs to be exhaled, so the ETCO2 reading climbs. This reflects better pulmonary blood flow and overall CPR effectiveness. If perfusion were worsening, ETCO2 would drop; if perfusion stayed the same, ETCO2 would stay about the same. Merely increasing ventilator rate doesn't guarantee a higher ETCO2 unless it coincides with better circulation.