The therapist is instituting hyperventilation to a child with intracranial hypertension.What should be the lowest PaCO₂ before brain ischemia can occur?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ICP declines within seconds of beginning hyperventilation.The mechanism is vasoconstriction resulting from hypocarbia.The goal is to lower the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO₂)from 40 to 25 mm Hg.Further reduction can result in cerebral ischemia and is contraindicated.

The Therapist Is Instituting Hyperventilation to a Child with Intracranial