A nurse is caring for a client who is demonstrating signs of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse recognizes that which nursing actions are indicated to decrease ICP?
Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
Administer intravenous fluids rapidly to increase intravascular volume.
Keep the client in a calm and quiet environment.
Administer morphine sulfate as prescribed for pain relief.
Allow the client to perform Valsalva maneuver.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
A. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees helps facilitate venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing ICP.
B. Administering intravenous fluids rapidly is not appropriate, as it can lead to fluid overload and increase ICP.
C. Keeping the client in a calm and quiet environment minimizes stimulation, which can contribute to increased ICP.
D. Administering morphine sulfate as prescribed can provide pain relief, which may help decrease ICP since pain can contribute to increased intracranial pressure.
E. The Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and can lead to increased ICP, making it contraindicated in this scenario.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The primary purpose of administering an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, is to lower ICP by promoting diuresis, which results in increased urinary output and decreases fluid volume in the brain.
B. Osmotic diuretics do not specifically reduce cerebral blood flow; rather, they work by reducing fluid volume and thus intracranial pressure.
C. While osmotic diuretics can help manage edema, their primary role is not solely to prevent the formation of cerebral edema but to actively reduce existing pressure.
D. Osmotic diuretics do not directly decrease brain oxygen consumption; their main function is to create an osmotic gradient that pulls fluid from the brain to reduce ICP.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Encouraging fluid intake at and between meals helps to dilute urine and can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by promoting regular urination.
B. Cleansing the perineum should be done from front to back to prevent the introduction of bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra, so this option is incorrect.
C. Offering the bedpan every 2 hours may not be sufficient for individuals at risk for UTIs, as more frequent voiding can help prevent infection.
D. An indwelling urinary catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infections and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary; intermittent catheterization is generally preferred for those with spinal cord injuries to minimize this risk.