Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification test!

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Which physiological response may occur if a head-injured patient is hyperventilated with 100% oxygen?

Vasodilation and increased cerebral perfusion
Vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral perfusion
Increased intracranial pressure
Hypercapnia

The correct answer is: Vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral perfusion

When a head-injured patient is hyperventilated with 100% oxygen, the most appropriate physiological response is vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral perfusion. Hyperventilation leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) in the blood. The body responds to low carbon dioxide by causing the cerebral blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction). This vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the brain, which in turn diminishes cerebral perfusion. Maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion is crucial, especially in head-injured patients, as they are already at risk for complications related to cerebral blood flow. Therefore, the action of hyperventilating with 100% oxygen in this context is not beneficial and can lead to further complications.