Question

A male client who was hit by a car while dodging through traffic is admitted to the emergency department with intracranial pressure (ICP). A computerized tomography (CT) scan reveals an intracranial bleed. After evacuation of hematoma, postoperative prescription include: intubation with controlled mechanical ventilation to PaCO2 is the pathophysiological basis for this ventilator settings?

Answer 1

Intubation with controlled mechanical ventilation to maintain the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) is prescribed after evacuation of hematoma in a male client with intracranial pressure (ICP) from an intracranial bleed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a male client is admitted to the emergency department with intracranial pressure (ICP) due to intracranial bleed, the postoperative prescription includes intubation with controlled mechanical ventilation to maintain the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). This ventilator setting is based on the pathophysiology of elevated ICP.

High levels of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) can cause cerebral vasodilation, leading to increased cerebral blood flow and increased intracranial pressure. By keeping PaCO2 in a controlled range, such as the normal range of 35-45 mmHg, the goal is to prevent cerebral vasodilation and minimize the risk of further increase in ICP.