Question

A pt with a brain injury has developed a fever. The nurse is aware that the fever has to be treated immediately because of what reason?

Option 1: Fever is a normal response to brain injury
Option 2: Fever helps improve brain function
Option 3: Fever can increase intracranial pressure
Option 4: Fever is unrelated to brain injury

Answer 1

Fever in a patient with a brain injury must be treated immediately because it can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can cause further brain damage and serious complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient (pt) with a brain injury has developed a fever, the nurse should be aware that it is crucial to treat the fever immediately. The correct reason is Option 3: Fever can increase intracranial pressure. When a person has a brain injury, any subsequent fever can worsen the condition. This is because the immune system's response to fighting the infection may cause swelling within the brain, and since the brain is confined within the skull, there is no room for expansion, leading to increased pressure. This elevated intracranial pressure can potentially cause further brain injury and may lead to more serious complications such as severe tissue damage, coma, and even death. Therefore, it is essential to manage the fever in patients with brain injuries as promptly as possible to prevent these potentially life-threatening outcomes.