What is a recommended technique to preoxygenate a patient with increased ICP?

Preoxygenating a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with hypoxia during intubation or other procedures. Ventilating with 100% oxygen is the most effective technique in this context because it significantly increases the concentration of oxygen available in the patient’s bloodstream.

By using high concentrations of oxygen, you optimize oxygen delivery to vital organs, including the brain, while also helping to displace carbon dioxide. This can assist in preventing secondary brain injury from hypoxia and hypercapnia. Increased ICP requires careful management to prevent further complications, and achieving effective preoxygenation can help secure adequate oxygen levels before any interventions proceed, particularly during rapid sequence intubation.

The other techniques mentioned may not provide sufficient or effective preoxygenation under these conditions. For instance, using a nasal cannula at low flow rates would not deliver enough oxygen to effectively preoxygenate a patient who may already be compromised by increased ICP. Administering lidocaine intravenously serves an entirely different purpose, primarily to manage airway reflexes, and does not contribute directly to oxygenation. Lowering the head below the heart might increase venous return and could theoretically raise ICP further, making it counterproductive in terms of managing increased