1. An increase in intracranial pressure (i.e., pressure inside the skull) accomp

Question

1. An increase in intracranial pressure (i.e., pressure inside the skull) accompanies the brain swelling that often occurs after head trauma. This increased pressure can lead to a life-threatening situation. One way to easily, but temporarily, reduce the pressure is to have the patient hyperventilate, the major direct consequence of which is to reduce blood CO2 concentration. Hyperventilation reduces intracranial pressure most likely by A. decreasing blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, thereby reversing the edema. B. causing brain arterioles to constrict, thereby reducing blood volume inside the brain. C. raising aerobic metabolism in capillary cells, thus elevating their water transcytosis rate D. causing capillary cell contraction, thus opening endothelial pores and draining brain fluid.

Explanation / Answer

The increase in pH associated with loss of CO2 concentration due to hypoventilation causes cerebral vasoconstriction, reducing the cerebral blood volume and, thereby, reducing intracranial pressure.

Hence, option B is the most appropriate choice.

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