Question

What actions should the nurse encourage to prevent increased intracranial pressure during a neurologic assessment?

a) Coughing and Valsalva maneuver
b) Deep breathing and turning side to side
c) Bearing down
d) Complete bed rest without movement

Answer 1

To prevent increased intracranial pressure during a neurologic assessment, the nurse should encourage deep breathing and turning side to side.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent increased intracranial pressure during a neurologic assessment, the nurse should encourage deep breathing and turning side to side (b). These actions help promote healthy blood flow and prevent the build-up of pressure in the brain. Coughing, Valsalva maneuver, bearing down, and complete bed rest without movement (a, c, and d) can actually increase intracranial pressure and should be avoided.