The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated patient admitted with a traumatic brain injury.Which arterial blood gas value assessed by the nurse indicates optimal gas exchange for a patient with this type of injury? A) pH 7.38; PaCO₂ 55 mm Hg; HCO₃ 22 mEq/L; PaO₂ 85 mm Hg B) pH 7.38; PaCO₂40 mm Hg; HCO₃ 24 mEq/L; PaO₂ 70 mm Hg C) pH 7.38; PaCO₂ 35 mm Hg; HCO₃24 mEq/L; PaO₂ 85 mm Hg D) pH 7.38; PaCO₂ 28 mm Hg; HCO₃ 26 mEq/L; PaO₂ 65 mm Hg

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Optimal gas exchange in a patient with increased intracranial pressure includes adequate oxygenation and ventilation of carbon dioxide.A pH of 7.38,PaCO₂ of 35 mm Hg,and a PaO₂ of 85 mm Hg indicates both.PaCO₂ values greater than normal (35 to 45)can lead to cerebral vasodilatation and further increase cerebral blood volume and ICP.Carbon dioxide levels less than 35 mm Hg can lead to cerebral vessel vasoconstriction and ischemia.Adequate oxygenation of cerebral tissues is achieved by maintaining a PaO₂ above 80 mm Hg.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Mechanically Ventilated Patient Admitted