What is the normal range for EtCO2 in a healthy individual?

What is the normal range for EtCO2 in a healthy individual?

• A. 20-30 mmHg
• B. 35-45 mmHg
• C. 50-60 mmHg
• D. 60-70 mmHg

Answer: (B)

End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) reflects how effectively CO2 is being eliminated by the lungs and closely mirrors arterial CO2 in a healthy person. In a normal, healthy individual, EtCO2 falls in the range of about 35–45 mmHg. This window exists because CO2 production from metabolism is matched by ventilation, so the CO2 level at the end of exhalation stays within this standard band. Values that fall well below this range point to overly rapid or shallow breathing, low CO2 production, or poor alveolar perfusion, while values above suggest hypoventilation, CO2 buildup, or rebreathing. Therefore, 35–45 mmHg is the normal EtCO2 range for a healthy individual.

End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) reflects how effectively CO2 is being eliminated by the lungs and closely mirrors arterial CO2 in a healthy person. In a normal, healthy individual, EtCO2 falls in the range of about 35–45 mmHg. This window exists because CO2 production from metabolism is matched by ventilation, so the CO2 level at the end of exhalation stays within this standard band. Values that fall well below this range point to overly rapid or shallow breathing, low CO2 production, or poor alveolar perfusion, while values above suggest hypoventilation, CO2 buildup, or rebreathing. Therefore, 35–45 mmHg is the normal EtCO2 range for a healthy individual.