Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 92%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a ventriculostomy and intracranial pressure (ICP) reading of 30mmHg. The nurse notes a widened pulse pressure, irregular respirations. and bradycardia. The neurosurgeon instructs the nurse to drain cerebrospinal fluid. The nurse would also anticipate which medication administration order from the provider?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
3% Normal Saline reduces ICP by drawing fluid from brain tissue, addressing Cushing's triad (widened pulse pressure, irregular respirations, bradycardia). Nitroprusside and norepinephrine affect blood pressure, and furosemide is less effective for acute ICP.