A 34-Year-Old Man Is Treated in the Intensive Care Unit

A 34-year-old man is treated in the intensive care unit after being involved in a motorcycle accident.  He has multiple injuries, including severe traumatic brain injury.  Head CT scan shows areas of contusion and swelling without subdural or epidural hematoma.  On the second day of hospitalization, a ventriculostomy is placed for invasive intracranial pressure monitoring.  On the third day, his pressure is high despite adequate sedation, elevation of the head of the bed, and removal of cerebrospinal fluid.  Hyperventilation would decrease this patient's intracranial pressure by which of the following mechanisms?

A) Cerebral vasoconstriction
B) Decreased capillary leak
C) Decreased sympathetic output
D) Increased pO₂
E) Increased venous outflow from the head

Correct Answer:

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