A patient who was in a motor vehicle accident sustained a severe head injury and is brought into the emergency department. The provider orders intravenous mannitol [Osmitrol]. The nurse knows that this is given to:
A) reduce intracranial pressure.
B) reduce renal perfusion.
C) reduce peripheral edema.
D) restore extracellular fluid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is used to reduce intracranial pressure by relieving cerebral edema. The presence of mannitol in blood vessels in the brain creates an osmotic force that draws edematous fluid from the brain into the blood. Mannitol can also be used to increase renal perfusion. It can cause peripheral edema and is not used to restore extracellular fluid.

A Patient Who Was in a Motor Vehicle Accident Sustained