In the neurotrauma unit, a teenager with a closed head injury ...

[charchew]

In the neurotrauma unit, a teenager with a closed head injury related to an automobile accident is experiencing high intracranial pressure (ICP). He is intubated and is on a ventilator.
 
  One treatment for this is to allow him to progress into which acid-base imbalance in an attempt to lower ICP?
  A)
  Metabolic acidosis
  B)
  Metabolic alkalosis
  C)
  Respiratory acidosis
  D)
  Respiratory alkalosis

Question 2

A 55-year-old woman has presented to the emergency department following a panic attack. Her blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate are all highly elevated, while her temperature and oxygen saturation are within normal ranges.
 
  What is the woman's body most likely doing to address the changes in pH associated with her situation?
  A)
  Her kidneys will limit the amount of bicarbonate that they reabsorb.
  B)
  She will be retaining Cl- ions in an effort to lower pH.
  C)
  Her respiratory center will attempt to lower her CO2 levels.
  D)
  The patient's kidneys will excrete more hydrogen ions than they normally do.

[wuly]

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
D

Feedback:

Respiratory alkalosis is seen as a treatment with the ventilator with intubated people experiencing high intracranial pressure (ICP) in order to attempt to lower the ICP.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
A

Feedback:

Renal compensation for respiratory alkalosis involves decreased bicarbonate reabsorption. Manipulation of Cl- ions is not a compensatory mechanism that the body is capable of, and increased CO2 levels and decreased H+ would compensate for her acid-base imbalance.