During capnography monitoring of a mechanically ventilated patient, you note that the PETCO₂ has dropped to 0 mm Hg. All of the following are possible causes of this finding except:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decreased PETCO2 can be caused by factors such as decreased cardiac output, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, and decreased pulmonary blood flow. Therefore, option C (increased cardiac output) cannot be the cause of the drop in PETCO2. Ventilator disconnection, esophageal intubation, and cardiac arrest are all possible causes of a drop in PETCO2.

During Capnography Monitoring of a Mechanically Ventilated Patient, You Note