User Manual

3 Monitoring

Monitoring

LIFEPAK 20e Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions 3-21

CO2 Detection

A CO2 waveform appears when any CO2 is detected, but CO2 must be greater than 3.5 mmHg

for a numerical value to be displayed. However, the CO2 module will not recognize a breath until

the CO2 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 CO2 is not detected in the cardiac arrest situation—for example, the CO2 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 CO2 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.