A patient who just suffered severe closed-head injury and has a high intracranial pressure (ICP) is about to be placed on ventilatory support. Which of the following strategies could help to lower the ICP? A) Maintain a PaCO₂ from 25 to 30 mm Hg (deliberate hyperventilation). B) Allow as much spontaneous breathing as possible (SIMV). C) Maintain a high mean pressure using PEEP levels of 10 to 15 cm H₂O. D) Maintain a PaCO₂ of 50 to 60 mm Hg (deliberate hypoventilation).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation applied acutely and for short periods of time may be used to reduce ICP. The goal is to lower the PaCO₂ to between 25 and 30 mm Hg, which causes alkalosis, which in combination with hypocapnia helps reduce cerebral blood flow until the ICP can be controlled by other measures.

A Patient Who Just Suffered Severe Closed-Head Injury and Has