Following a successful pre-hospital RSI, the patient's capnography trace shows a gradually decreasing end-tidal CO2 over 10 minutes despite stable ven...

Question

Following a successful pre-hospital RSI, the patient's capnography trace shows a gradually decreasing end-tidal CO2 over 10 minutes despite stable ventilator settings. The patient has good bilateral air entry. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing cardiac output - the patient may be developing circulatory shock

Answer

The capnography sensor is depleting

Answer

Hyperventilation by the mechanical ventilator

Answer

The endotracheal tube is gradually migrating into the oesophagus

Answer

The patient is developing auto-PEEP

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Capnography Interpretation

Following a successful pre-hospital RSI, the patient's capnography trace shows a gradually decreasing end-tidal CO2 over 10 minutes despite stable ventilator settings. The patient has good bilateral air entry. What is the most likely cause?