Increased Intracranial Pressure ICP | Med-Surg Nursing Lecture
This lecture, presented by Christina Rafano, provides a comprehensive overview of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) for nursing students and practicing med‑surg nurses. It defines ICP, explains the underlying pathophysiology, outlines common etiologies (e.g., traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, tumors, hydrocephalus), and describes the classic Cushing triad and other neurologic signs that signal rising pressure. The presentation details nursing assessment techniques, including neurological checks, vital‑sign trends, and the use of invasive monitoring devices. It reviews evidence‑based nursing interventions such as head‑of‑bed elevation, sedation, osmotherapy, hyperventilation, and coordination with the medical team for surgical considerations. The lecture also covers medication management (e.g., mannitol, hypertonic saline, barbiturates), potential complications, and post‑acute care considerations, emphasizing the nurse’s role in early detection and rapid response to prevent secondary brain injury.
