Question

The nurse is planning to administer pharmacologic therapy for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which factors should the nurse consider? Select all that apply.

Use benzodiazepines as a standalone treatment for sedation.
Monitor for hypotension when using opioids to manage anxiety.
Monitor for hypotension when using continuous intravenous sedatives.
Use nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents alone for better outcomes.
Use sedatives or analgesics with nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents.

Answer 1

When administering pharmacologic therapy for increased ICP, nurses must consider avoiding benzodiazepines as standalone treatment, monitor for hypotension with opioids and intravenous sedatives, and use nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents in combination with sedatives or analgesics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Factors to Consider in Pharmacologic Therapy for Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

When administering pharmacologic therapy for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), a nurse must consider multiple factors. Notably:

• Using benzodiazepines as a standalone treatment is not typically recommended; they are often used in combination with other medications to enhance therapeutic effects.
• It's crucial to monitor for hypotension when using opioids to manage anxiety since opioids can depress the central nervous system, leading to lowered blood pressure.
• Continuous intravenous sedatives are also associated with a risk of hypotension; careful monitoring is required to manage this potential side effect.
• The use of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents should not be standalone therapy but should be combined with sedatives or analgesics for better patient outcomes.

These considerations are essential in managing a patient's ICP effectively while minimizing potential complications from the medications used.