A patient has been in cardiac arrest for 35 minutes. The team has followed the ALS algorithm meticulously. The rhythm has been asystole throughout. No...

Question

A patient has been in cardiac arrest for 35 minutes. The team has followed the ALS algorithm meticulously. The rhythm has been asystole throughout. No reversible causes have been identified. The team leader is considering terminating resuscitation. What specific capnography finding supports the decision to stop?

Accepted Answer

A persistently low EtCO2 below 1.3 kPa (10 mmHg) after 20 minutes of ALS is associated with a very low probability of ROSC

Answer

A normal EtCO2 of 4.5 kPa indicates futility

Answer

Fluctuating EtCO2 values support termination

Answer

EtCO2 above 2.0 kPa confirms the decision to stop

Answer

Absence of any capnography waveform despite confirmed tracheal intubation

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Capnography and Termination of Resuscitation