Question 1
Which one of the following statement is true?
- A. Hypotonic fluids should be used to limit brain edema in patients with severe head injury
- B. Elevated intracranial pressure will not affect cerebral perfusion
- C. CSF cannot be displaced from cranial vault
- D. Cerebral blood flow is increased when PaCO2 is below 30mmHg --> below 50mmHg
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Cerebral blood flow is increased when PaCO2 is below 30mmHg --> below 50mmHg
The correct answer is D because cerebral blood flow is directly influenced by PaCO2 levels. When PaCO2 is below 30-50mmHg, cerebral blood vessels constrict, leading to decreased cerebral blood flow. This vasoconstriction is a protective mechanism to prevent excessive blood flow and maintain stable cerebral perfusion pressure. Therefore, the statement that cerebral blood flow is increased when PaCO2 is below 30-50mmHg is true. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Hypotonic fluids can exacerbate brain edema by causing fluid shifts, so they should not be used to limit brain edema in severe head injury. B: Elevated intracranial pressure impairs cerebral perfusion due to decreased perfusion pressure gradient, leading to decreased cerebral blood flow. C: CSF can be displaced from the cranial vault due to changes in intracranial pressure and volume shifts.