Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a brain tumor and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which nursing intervention should be included in the client's care?

1) Encourage coughing and deep breathing
2) Position the client's head toward the side of the tumor
3) Provide sensory stimulation to improve neural activity
4) Provide rest periods between nursing interventions

Answer 1

The appropriate nursing intervention for a client with a brain tumor and increased ICP is to provide rest periods between nursing activities to help manage the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client with a brain tumor and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) should implement several specific interventions to help manage the condition. One important nursing intervention is to provide rest periods between nursing interventions. This approach minimizes stimulation and can help lower ICP. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing, positioning the client's head toward the side of the tumor, and providing sensory stimulation are generally not advised, as these could potentially increase ICP.

It is important for the nursing team to work closely with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to review key concerns for the patient's recovery and care. Strategies to manage ICP include raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees to promote venous drainage, avoiding neck flexion, which can impede venous return, and cautiously managing fluid intake and electrolyte balance to avoid exacerbating cerebral edema.