The nurse receives a patient from the emergency department following a closed head injury.After insertion of an ventriculostomy,the nurse assesses the following vital signs: blood pressure 100/60 mm Hg,heart rate 52 beats/min,respiratory rate 24 breaths/min,oxygen saturation (SpO₂)97% on supplemental oxygen at 45% via Venturi mask,Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4,and intracranial pressure (ICP)of 18 mm Hg.Which provider prescription should the nurse institute first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's GCS score is 4 along with an ICP of 18 mm Hg.Although a portable chest x-ray and seizure precautions are appropriate to include in the plan of care,Mannitol 1 g intravenous is the priority intervention to reduce intracranial pressure.Ancef 1 g intravenous is appropriate given the indwelling ICP line; however,antibiotic therapy is not the priority in this scenario.

The Nurse Receives a Patient from the Emergency Department Following