Anaes Vivas · Breathing systems & circuits
Data viva — capnography signs of the breathing system problems
A data viva on the capnographic patterns — the flat trace (disconnection, apnoea, cardiac arrest), the rising baseline (rebreathing, exhausted soda lime, stuck valve, insufficient flow), and the normal trace.
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Target exams
ANZCAFRCAABAEDAIC
Prompt
A capnography trace showing: (a) a flat trace (no CO2), (b) a rising inspired baseline (rebreathing), and (c) a normal square wave.
Stimulus
Three capnography traces: (a) a flat trace at zero, (b) a trace with a rising inspired baseline (the rebreathing), (c) a normal square-wave trace. Interpret each and state the most likely cause.
References2ShowHide
- [3]AAGBI. Checking anaesthetic equipment 2012. Anaesthesia, 2012.PMID 22563957
- [22563958]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.