NEUROLOGIC SYSTEM
Permanent neurologic damage is the most worrisome outcome in persons who have been resuscitated after a drowning incident. According to the
recommendations of a consensus group,
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persons who are comatose or have neurologic deterioration should undergo intensive assessment and
care; the goals are to achieve normal values for glucose, partial pressure of arterial oxygen, and partial
pressure of carbon dioxide, with avoidance of any
situation that increases brain metabolism. Induced
hypothermia with the core temperature maintained
between 32°C and 34°C for 24 hours may be neuroprotective.