Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The most appropriate initial intervention is to position the patient in a way that facilitates venous drainage from the brain, typically semi-Fowler's position. This minimizes ICP by reducing intracranial volume. While administering intravenous fluids may be necessary later, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring a clear airway and monitoring vital signs is essential but doing so in a way that also helps manage ICP is crucial. Administering diuretics should only occur if ICP is confirmed to be elevated and other maneuvers have not sufficiently improved the situation.