You Have Been Called to Help Transport a Sedated Patient

Multiple Choice

You have been called to help transport a sedated patient who has been endotracheally intubated and is on a capnometer. The vital signs are: pulse 88, respiration 12 (delivered through a ventilator) , and blood pressure 106/64 mmHg. If the tube is in place, what should you see on the capnometer?

A) CO₂ reading of near 0
B) Decreasing SpO₂ reading
C) CO₂ level of 40 mmHg
D) Unchanging blood pressure