Why does the healthcare provider prescribe a ventilator setting to maintain partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) between 35 and 38 mmHg for a patient with traumatic brain injury?

Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide facilitate brain oxygenation.

Carbon dioxide is a waste product that must be eliminated from the body.

Carbon dioxide is a vasodilator that can cause increased intracranial pressure.

Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) are essential for gas exchange.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide do not directly facilitate brain oxygenation. While maintaining appropriate CO2 levels is important for overall respiratory function, the primary reason for targeting a specific PaCO2 range in traumatic brain injury is related to intracranial pressure control.

Choice B reason:

Although carbon dioxide is indeed a waste product that must be eliminated from the body, this statement does not explain why specific PaCO2 levels are targeted in the context of traumatic brain injury. The primary concern is the impact of CO2 on intracranial pressure.

Choice C reason:

Carbon dioxide is a potent vasodilator, and elevated levels can lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). By maintaining PaCO2 within a range of 35-38 mmHg, the healthcare provider aims to prevent hypercapnia and the resulting vasodilation, which can exacerbate intracranial hypertension in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Choice D reason:

Lower levels of arterial carbon dioxide are not specifically essential for gas exchange. The primary concern with PaCO2 management in traumatic brain injury is controlling intracranial pressure, rather than optimizing gas exchange alone.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis is the best method to determine the effectiveness of treatments in a client receiving mechanical ventilation. ABGs provide direct information about the patient's oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status, which are critical in managing acute respiratory failure.

Choice B reason:

While blood pressure is important for overall patient monitoring, it does not provide specific information about the effectiveness of ventilation and respiratory status. It is more related to hemodynamic stability.

Choice C reason:

Capillary refill can provide some information about peripheral perfusion but is not specific enough to assess the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation or respiratory treatments.

Choice D reason:

Heart rate is a vital sign that can indicate the patient's overall condition but does not specifically assess the effectiveness of ventilation or respiratory treatments. It should be considered along with other more specific respiratory assessments.

A. Increased oxygen saturation. B. Urine output less than 30 mL/hr. C. Decreased level of consciousness. D. Heart rate of 34 beats/min.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Increased oxygen saturation is not typically associated with neurogenic shock. Neurogenic shock usually involves bradycardia, hypotension, and potential respiratory issues, but not an increase in oxygen saturation.

Choice B reason:

Urine output less than 30 mL/hr is a sign of decreased perfusion to the kidneys, which can occur in neurogenic shock due to hypotension. This reduced urine output is a concerning manifestation that the nurse should monitor closely.

Choice C reason:

A decreased level of consciousness can be related to many factors, including hypoxia, hypotension, or other complications from the spinal cord injury. While it is an important sign to monitor, it is not a definitive marker of neurogenic shock.

Choice D reason:

A heart rate of 34 beats/min (bradycardia) is a common sign of neurogenic shock, which results from the loss of sympathetic tone due to the spinal cord injury. Bradycardia and hypotension are key indicators of neurogenic shock.

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Why does the healthcare provider prescribe a ventilator setting to maintain partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) between 35 and 38 mmHg for a patient with traumatic brain injury?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client in acute respiratory failure who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following assessments is the best method to determine the effectiveness of the current treatments?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse assesses a patient who experienced a spinal cord injury at the T5 level 24 hours ago. Which manifestations would the nurse correlate with neurogenic shock? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

A nurse applies a painful stimulus to the nailbeds of an unconscious patient. The patient responds with extension of the arms and legs, pronation of the arms, and plantar flexion. The nurse documents this as:

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