Manual

4-50 LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operating Instructions
Monitoring ETCO2
CO2 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 kPa). Valid breaths must be detected in order for the apnea alarm to
function and to count the respiratory rate (RR). The RR represents an average over the last eight
breaths.
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
• Disconnection of the FilterLine set 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
• Shock was delivered and system is resetting
• Loose FilterLine set to device connection
Loss of airway function
• Improper placement of ETT
• ETT dislodgment
• ETT obstruction
Physiological factors
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.
For information about cleaning the device, see "Cleaning the Device" on page 10-15.
• Apnea • Loss of perfusion • Exsanguination
• Massive pulmonary embolism • Inadequate CPR