Following a pre-hospital RSI, the intubated patient is being transported. En route, the patient's end-tidal CO2 suddenly drops to near zero despite co...

Question

Following a pre-hospital RSI, the intubated patient is being transported. En route, the patient's end-tidal CO2 suddenly drops to near zero despite continued mechanical ventilation. The patient is not in cardiac arrest. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

The endotracheal tube has become displaced or dislodged

Answer

The capnography sensor has become disconnected or is malfunctioning

Answer

The patient has developed severe bronchospasm

Answer

The patient has developed a pulmonary embolism

Answer

The ventilator has malfunctioned and is not delivering breaths

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): EtCO2 Drop During Transport

Following a pre-hospital RSI, the intubated patient is being transported. En route, the patient's end-tidal CO2 suddenly drops to near zero despite continued mechanical ventilation. The patient is not in cardiac arrest. What is the most likely explanation?