What is the normal range for EtCO2 in pediatric patients?

In pediatric patients, the normal range for end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) is typically 35 to 45 mmHg. However, when evaluating the range given in the answer, 40 to 60 mmHg might seem reasonable at first glance, but it is broader than what is clinically accepted for pediatrics.

The physiological rationale behind the normal EtCO2 levels revolves around the balance of carbon dioxide production and elimination through respiration. Maintaining an EtCO2 within the accepted ranges is crucial for ensuring proper respiratory function and metabolic status, and the standard for this population generally aligns with the lower adult range.

For pediatric patients, the focus on the narrower range helps to avoid hypercarbia and its associated risks, such as respiratory acidosis or impaired ventilation. Thus, while the answer presented may include a range that some might argue encompasses pediatric variability, the narrower accepted normal range is indeed 35 to 45 mmHg. This highlights the importance of adhering closely to trusted clinical guidelines for the pediatric population specifically.