PaCO2 Adjustment Calculator

This calculator helps respiratory care practitioners adjust ventilation parameters based on arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. When a patient's PaCO2 is not at the desired level, you can use these calculations to determine new ventilator settings by adjusting either tidal volume, respiratory rate, or both.

Clinical Note: PaCO2 is inversely proportional to alveolar ventilation. To decrease PaCO2, increase ventilation (↑VT, ↑RR, or both). To increase PaCO2, decrease ventilation (↓VT, ↓RR, or both).