When caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure, which laboratory value trend requires immediate action by the nurse?
A) A falling PaCO2 level
B) A rising PaCO2 level
C) A falling PaO2 level
D) A rising PaO2 level
B) A rising PaCO2 level
Explanation: A) The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in arterial blood influences cerebral autoregulation more significantly than the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) does. Cerebral blood flow increases or decreases briskly in response to changes in PaCO2; cerebral vessels constrict as PaCO2 levels fall and dilate to increase blood flow when PaCO2 levels rise, increasing intracranial pressure.
B) The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in arterial blood influences cerebral autoregulation more significantly than the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) does. Cerebral blood flow increases or decreases briskly in response to changes in PaCO2; cerebral vessels constrict as PaCO2 levels fall and dilate to increase blood flow when PaCO2 levels rise, increasing intracranial pressure.
C) Although the physician should be notified with any change laboratory values, a rising PaCO2 level can quickly increase intracranial pressure.
D) Although the physician should be notified with any change laboratory values, a rising PaCO2 level can quickly increase intracranial pressure.
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