When managing a patient with increased intracranial pressure, which combination of actions should the nurse prioritize to promote patient safety and reduce complications?
Elevate the head of the bed and monitor vital signs
When intracranial pressure rises, the first care goals are to promote venous outflow from the head and watch for deterioration.
Elevating the head of the bed by 30 degrees improves cerebral venous drainage and reduces ICP, while frequent vital-sign monitoring picks up Cushing’s response early.
Keeping the patient flat raises ICP, encouraging coughing and deep breathing raises intrathoracic pressure, and ice packs on the scalp are not standard neuro-intensive practice.
Hence, Elevate the head of the bed and monitor vital signs.
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Important Questions from Medical-Surgical Nursing
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A nurse is tasked with teaching newly diagnosed hypertensive patients about medication adherence. What approach reflects effective teaching responsibility?
A nurse is evaluating elimination needs of a patient with a newly established colostomy. Which action demonstrates best practice for promoting self-care?
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