The nurse is providing care for a patient who is at risk for developing an increase in intracranial pressure due to swelling of the brain.The nurse is aware that this increased brain size must be accompanied by which other change if intracranial pressure is to remain stable?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to prevent an increase in intracranial pressure due to swelling of the brain, there must be a decrease in fluid or tissue volume in one of the intracranial compartments to compensate for the increased size of the swollen brain tissue. This can be achieved through the use of medications, such as diuretics, or through surgical interventions, such as a craniotomy or decompressive hemicraniectomy. Increasing blood flow to the brain, decreasing the blood-brain barrier, or increasing production of cerebrospinal fluid would not help to stabilize intracranial pressure in this situation.

The Nurse Is Providing Care for a Patient Who Is