Physio-Control LIFEPAK 20e - Manual (Page 67)

3
M
o
n
itoring
Monitoring
LIFEPAK 20e Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions 3-21
©2006-2013 Physio-Control, Inc.
CO
2
Detection
A CO
2
waveform appears when any CO
2
is detected, but CO
2
must be greater than 3.5 mmHg for
a numerical value to be displayed. However, the CO
2
module will not recognize a breath until the
CO
2
is at least 8 mmHg (1.0% or 1 kPa). Valid breaths must be detected in order for the apnea
alarm to function and to count the respiratory rate (RR).
When CO
2
is not detected in the cardiac arrest situation—for example, the CO
2
waveform is
either dashes “---” or a flat solid line at or near zero—several factors must be quickly evaluated.
Assess for the following causes:
Equipment Issues
• FilterLine set is disconnected from the endotracheal tube (ETT)
• System is purging due to fluid in the patient/sensor connection from ET administration of
medications
• System is auto-zeroing
• FilterLine connection to device is loose
Loss of Airway Function
• Improper placement of ETT
• ETT dislodgment
• ETT obstruction
Physiological Factors
• Apnea
• Loss of perfusion
• Exsanguination
• Massive pulmonary embolism
• Inadequate CPR
Cleaning
Accessories for CO
2
monitoring are disposable and are intended for single-patient use. Do not
clean and reuse a FilterLine set. Dispose of the contaminated waste according to local protocols.