RN NCLEX Practice Questions Related

Review RN NCLEX Practice Questions related questions and content

The nurse caring for a client with a closed head injury obtains an intracranial pressure (ICP) reading of 17 mmHg. The nurse recognizes that:

  • A. The ICP is elevated and the doctor should be notified.
  • B. The ICP is normal; therefore, no further action is needed.
  • C. The ICP is low and the client needs additional IV fluids.
  • D. The ICP reading is not as reliable as the Glascow coma scale.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An ICP of 17 mmHg is elevated (normal is 7-15 mmHg), indicating increased intracranial pressure, which requires immediate notification of the physician.