What happens if the tidal volume drops below 500 ml?
It is possible that if the tidal volume drops below 500 ml that an individual may possibly be rebreathing too much and may start to have lower oxygen levels because of lower oxygen supply. CO2 may begin to increase too much and the oxygen level may begin to decrease. Excessive hypercapnia and/or hypoxia may result. If a patient persists with tidal volumes less than 500 ml, it may be possible to continue the use of the QED-100. However, the clinician should be attentive to the fraction of inspired oxygen. This value should not be allowed to drop below 35%.
