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

question 34

Multiple Choice

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).

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Definitions:

Compounds

Substances formed from two or more chemical elements that are chemically bonded together, resulting in new properties distinct from those elements alone.

Synergistic Effect

A situation where the combined action of two or more factors, agents, or substances results in a greater effect than expected from their individual effects.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process in a system where the output enhances or amplifies an initial change, leading to further increase in the output.

Atomic Mass

The total mass of protons and neutrons in an atom, measured in atomic mass units.