قراءة ثاني أكسيد الكربون في الزفير لمريض منبب انخفضت فجأة إلى صفر. ما الإجراء الأول؟

An intubated client’s end-tidal CO2 suddenly drops to zero. What is the first action?

1. Check the client at once for extubation or cardiac arrest
2. Ignore it because the sensor is probably dirty
3. Raise oxygen to 100% and wait
4. Document it and tell the doctor on the morning round

Answer: A) Check the client at once for extubation or cardiac arrest. Sudden loss of the CO2 waveform may mean extubation, circuit disconnection, complete obstruction or cardiac arrest. Assess the client immediately before assuming equipment failure.