Final answer:
The nurse should report fluid overload as an adverse effect of mannitol to the provider, as mannitol can lead to an increase in total body water, potentially causing complications like hypertension, heart attacks, and edema.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) who is receiving mannitol via continuous IV infusion, an important adverse effect to monitor and report to the provider would be fluid overload. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that promotes water loss by osmosis to reduce brain swelling. While mannitol helps to eliminate fluid from the body, it can lead to fluid overload, whereby the total volume of water in the body increases, potentially leading to complications like hypertension, heart attacks, and edema. Therefore, the nurse should report any signs that suggest fluid overload, such as swelling or decreased urine output, to the provider immediately.
Options like hyperglycemia can occur with other osmotic diuretics like glucose, especially in the context of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Hypokalemia is a potential effect of diuretics generally, but not the primary concern with mannitol. While hypertension is associated with increased sodium and water retention, in the context of mannitol and its diuretic effect, fluid overload as a result of compromised renal function or excessive administration constitutes a more direct and serious issue to be reported.