Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees helps in reducing intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage from the brain and decreasing venous blood volume within the skull. Monitoring neurological status continuously is crucial to detect any worsening condition but does not directly address the elevated ICP initially. While administering mannitol is a treatment modality, it should be done under careful consideration due to potential rapid shifts in fluid balance. Intubation and mechanical ventilation may be required for severe cases but are not the primary initial steps without respiratory compromise.