An unresponsive patient has an end-tidal carbon dioxide level of 70 mm Hg. What condition does this indicate?

An end-tidal carbon dioxide level of 70 mm Hg indicates a significant retention of carbon dioxide in the body, also known as hypercarbia. This elevated level suggests that the patient is not effectively ventilating, which means they are not exhaling carbon dioxide at the normal rate. In a healthy individual, end-tidal carbon dioxide levels should typically be between 35 to 45 mm Hg; levels above this range indicate that carbon dioxide is accumulating.

In the context of an unresponsive patient, this condition is particularly concerning and can result from respiratory depression or failure, obstructed airways, or exhaustion of respiratory muscles. Therefore, the patient's inadequate ventilation is leading to the accumulation of carbon dioxide, worsening the problem and potentially leading to respiratory acidosis if not addressed.

The other conditions listed are either non-specific or do not accurately reflect the direct implication of such a high end-tidal carbon dioxide reading. The direct association of hypercarbia with inadequate ventilation makes this answer the most accurate in describing the clinical situation.