A nurse is caring for a pediatric patient with a fiberoptic transducer-a tipped catheter placed in the subdural space to monitor intracranial pressure. The nurse would become most concerned if the readings drifted to and stayed in the vicinity of:

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The nurse would become most concerned if the readings drifted to and stayed in the vicinity of 20 mmHg. Normal intracranial pressure readings range from 5 to 15 mmHg pressure. Pressures ?20 mmHg are considered to represent increased intracranial pressure, which seriously impairs cerebral perfusion. Studies indicate that intracranial pressure requires treatment ? 20 mm Hg although some doctors believe that infants and young children may need treatment at lower pressures.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Pediatric Patient with a Fiberoptic