Final answer:
Therapeutic hypothermia aims to reduce metabolic demands on the brain and vital organs after ischemic events by cooling the body to 32-34°C, which falls under mild hypothermia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main goals of therapeutic hypothermia are to protect the brain and other vital organs by reducing their metabolic demand after a period of insufficient blood flow, such as in the case of cardiac arrest. By cooling the patient's body to a target temperature, usually within the mild hypothermia range of 32-34°C (approximately 91 degrees Fahrenheit), metabolic processes slow down, which can lead to reduced damage from lack of oxygen. In more extreme cases, such as during certain surgical procedures, the body or parts of the body might be cooled further for additional protection, but the mild hypothermia range is commonly used for acute medical conditions like cardiac arrest.