Partial pressure of CO2 in the arterial blood • PaCO2 may be used to assess and monitor ventilation efficiency. • PaCO2 is determined in a similar fashion to PaO2, using a blood sample collected from a peripheral artery. • Normal PaCO2 in an anesthetized patient is 35–45 mmHg. • A PaCO2 >45 mmHg indicates respiratory inefficiency. • PaCO2 measurement is...
Partial pressure of CO2 in the arterial blood • PaCO2 may be used to assess and monitor ventilation efficiency. • PaCO2 is determined in a similar fashion to PaO2, using a blood sample collected from a peripheral artery. • Normal PaCO2 in an anesthetized patient is 35–45 mmHg. • A PaCO2 >45 mmHg indicates respiratory inefficiency. • PaCO2 measurement is more accurate than a respirometer, but requires an expensive blood gas analyzer. Small Animal Anesthesia and Pain Management, 2nd Edition, A Color Handbook P128