BCEN CFRN Practice Question

Administering supplemental oxygen to maintain the patient's oxygen saturation between 94-98% is crucial to prevent hypoxia, which can exacerbate brain injuries and contribute to secondary brain injury. Hyperventilation to reduce PaCO2 is generally avoided as it can lead to decreased cerebral blood flow, potentially worsening the injury. Administering isotonic fluids helps to maintain adequate blood pressure and cerebral perfusion, but without focusing on oxygenation, the intervention would be incomplete. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce intracranial pressure, but it is less immediately important compared to oxygenation.