Question

A client who is experiencing a traumatic brain injury has increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). What drug will the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for this client?

a. Phenytoin
b. Lorazepam
c. Mannitol
d. Morphine

Answer 1

Mannitol is the drug used to treat increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) in a client with traumatic brain injury, due to its ability to remove water from the brain and thus decrease pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client who is experiencing a traumatic brain injury with increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) is likely to be prescribed a drug that can reduce this pressure. Among the options provided, c. Mannitol is the correct answer. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that works by removing water from the brain and reducing ICP, thus it is often used in the management of patients with TBI who are at risk for increased intracranial pressure. While Phenytoin may be used to prevent seizures in TBI patients, Lorazepam is typically used for anxiety or seizures, and Morphine is an opioid pain medication, none of these directly target the reduction of ICP like Mannitol does.