Mechanical ventilation with a rate and volume to maintain a mild hyperventilation is used for a patient with a head injury. To evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy, the nurse should

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The purpose of hyperventilation for a patient with a head injury is reduction of ICP, and ICP should be monitored to evaluate whether the therapy is effective. Although oxygen saturation and ABGs are monitored in patient's receiving hyperventilation, they do not provide data about whether the therapy is successful in reducing ICP. Breath sounds are assessed, but they are not helpful in determining whether the hyperventilation is effective.

Mechanical Ventilation with a Rate and Volume to Maintain a Mild