Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What effect does an elevated body temperature have on brain tissue oxygen requirements in a patient with a closed head injury?

1. It may cause improved intracranial pressure

2. It may cause increased oxygen requirements of the brain tissue

3. It may cause no change in neurologic functioning

4. It is easily lowered with acetaminophen

The correct answer is: It may cause increased oxygen requirements of the brain tissue

An elevated body temperature, often referred to as hyperthermia, directly impacts the metabolic demands of brain tissue. In patients with closed head injuries, increased temperatures can elevate the brain’s overall metabolism, which results in heightened oxygen consumption. As the metabolic rate of the brain increases, so does its demand for oxygen to support cellular functions and energy production. This means that the brain requires more oxygen to maintain its physiological processes, especially in the context of an injury where cellular integrity may already be compromised. Therefore, the correct answer highlights this relationship perfectly: an elevated body temperature leads to increased oxygen requirements of the brain tissue, exacerbating the challenges faced in managing patients with brain injuries. This increase in oxygen demand can complicate the clinical management of such patients, making it critical for healthcare providers to monitor and address elevated temperatures to prevent further neurological compromise.