What ETCO2 value is typically observed in cases of hypoventilation?

In cases of hypoventilation, an increase in the end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) value is typically observed due to inadequate ventilation leading to CO2 retention in the body. A normal ETCO2 value ranges from approximately 35 to 45 mmHg. In hypoventilation, the carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream rise because the body is not expelling enough CO2 through the lungs.

An ETCO2 value of 50 mmHg is indicative of mild hypoventilation, while values above this can signal more severe hypoventilation and the potential for respiratory failure. Thus, a reading of 55 mmHg clearly suggests a significant impairment in the ability to exhale carbon dioxide, correlating with the symptoms and physiological changes seen in hypoventilation. This highlights the body's inability to effectively manage CO2 levels, reinforcing the link between respiratory function and ETCO2 measurements in the clinical context.