Question

a nurse admits a client who has a subarachnoid hemorrhage and increased intracranial pressure. which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer to decrease icp?

• mannitol
• phenytoin
• nicardipine
• dopamine

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

The client has a subarachnoid hemorrhage and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The goal is to identify which medication decreases ICP.

Evaluate the mechanism of Mannitol

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic. It draws fluid from brain tissue into the vascular space to reduce cerebral edema and lower ICP.

Evaluate the other options

• Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant used to prevent seizures, not to directly lower ICP.
• Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker used to manage blood pressure, not a primary agent for reducing ICP.
• Dopamine is a vasopressor used to support blood pressure and cardiac output.

Determine the correct medication

Mannitol is the standard osmotic diuretic administered to rapidly decrease elevated intracranial pressure.

Answer:

• Mannitol (Correct answer)
• Phenytoin
• Nicardipine
• Dopamine