ACLS: capnography in CPR: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · ACLS: capnography in CPR

Sample item

During CPR, a sudden sustained rise in end-tidal CO2 to above 40 mmHg is most suggestive of what?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Return of spontaneous circulation

End-tidal CO2 depends on pulmonary blood flow, so an abrupt rise indicates restoration of cardiac output. Persistently below 10 mmHg after 20 minutes of CPR indicates a poor prognosis.

Option by option

  • A. Return of spontaneous circulation (correct)

    Correct. A sudden rise suggests ROSC.

  • B. Hypothermia

    Hypothermia lowers CO2 production.

  • C. Pulmonary embolism

    Pulmonary embolism lowers EtCO2.

  • D. Tube dislodgement

    Tube dislodgement causes a fall to zero.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is A, Return of spontaneous circulation. End-tidal CO2 depends on pulmonary blood flow, so an abrupt rise indicates restoration of cardiac output.

Why is "Hypothermia" not the answer?

Hypothermia lowers CO2 production.

Why is "Pulmonary embolism" not the answer?

Pulmonary embolism lowers EtCO2.

Why is "Tube dislodgement" not the answer?

Tube dislodgement causes a fall to zero.

What concept does this question test?

It tests ACLS: capnography in CPR in Anaesthesia. Persistently below 10 mmHg after 20 minutes of CPR indicates a poor prognosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study ACLS: capnography in CPR?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.