Question

The nurse is caring for a comatose patient who has suffered a closed head injury. Which intervention

should the nurse implement to prevent increases in ICP?
A. Suctioning the airway every hour and as needed
B. Elevating the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees
C. Turning the patient and changing his position every 2 hours
D. Maintaining a well-lit room

Answer 1

To prevent an increase in ICP for a comatose patient with a closed head injury, the nurse should elevate the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees to promote venous drainage and reduce pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) in a comatose patient who has suffered a closed head injury, the most appropriate intervention is elevating the head of the bed 30 to 45 degrees. This position utilizes gravity to assist in reducing ICP, facilitating venous drainage from the brain and helping to lower pressure within the cranial vault. Regularly scheduled suctioning, such as every hour, may actually provoke increases in ICP due to the stimulation and potential hypoxemia caused by the procedure, and hence should be done cautiously and only as needed. While maintaining a regular turning schedule is important for skin integrity and to prevent pressure ulcers, it does not directly impact the management of ICP as much as head elevation does. Unlike these other interventions, maintaining a well-lit room is not directly related to the management of ICP.