NREMT Paramedic Practice

Why is it important for healthcare providers to monitor CO2 levels in patients?

1. It determines hydration status.

2. It influences respiratory function and acid-base balance.

3. It presents liver function.

4. It reflects glucose metabolism.

The correct answer is: It influences respiratory function and acid-base balance.

Monitoring CO2 levels in patients is crucial because it directly influences respiratory function and acid-base balance in the body. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of cellular respiration and is primarily eliminated from the body through gas exchange in the lungs. Elevated levels of CO2, known as hypercapnia, can indicate inadequate ventilation, leading to respiratory acidosis, where the blood becomes too acidic. Conversely, low CO2 levels, or hypocapnia, can occur with hyperventilation and can result in respiratory alkalosis, which raises blood pH. The regulation of CO2 levels helps maintain homeostasis in the body. It plays a vital role in the bicarbonate buffering system, which controls pH levels in the blood. By monitoring CO2 levels, healthcare providers can assess a patient's ventilatory status, determine the effectiveness of their respiratory system, and make informed clinical decisions regarding treatment interventions, such as the need for supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The other options, while related to different aspects of clinical assessments, do not directly link to the critical role that CO2 plays in respiratory function and acid-base balance. Hydration status is typically assessed through different parameters, liver function is monitored via liver enzymes and other specific tests, and glucose metabolism is evaluated through blood sugar levels