Paramedic National Registry Practice

Which method is commonly used to manage increased intracranial pressure?

1. Oxygen therapy

2. Fluid resuscitation

3. Hyperventilation

4. Positioning the patient upright

The correct answer is: Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation is a common technique employed to manage increased intracranial pressure (ICP). When a patient is hyperventilated, the rate and depth of breathing are increased, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. This reduction in CO2 causes vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels, subsequently decreasing cerebral blood volume and, in turn, reducing ICP. In contrast, oxygen therapy primarily plays a role in ensuring adequate oxygenation and does not directly influence ICP. While fluid resuscitation is important in managing patients with hemorrhagic shock or dehydration, it can actually increase ICP in some cases due to increased blood volume. Lastly, positioning the patient upright can assist in lowering ICP through gravitational effects and enhanced venous return but is generally considered less immediate compared to the active intervention of hyperventilation. Therefore, hyperventilation is often prioritized in acute settings for managing increased ICP effectively.