Hyperventilation should generally be avoided during mechanical ventilatory support. Exceptions to this rule include:
1) Trying to calm an agitated patient.
2) Failure of other methods to reduce intracranial pressure.
3) Hypokalemia causing cardiac arrhythmias.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hyperventilation should generally be avoided during mechanical ventilatory support. However, exceptions include (2) when other methods have failed to reduce intracranial pressure and (3) when hypokalemia has caused cardiac arrhythmias. Calming an agitated patient (1) is not a valid reason to hyperventilate as it can cause respiratory alkalosis and worsen intracranial pressure. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Hyperventilation Should Generally Be Avoided During Mechanical Ventilatory Support