Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:18
A Bedside, Single Burr Hole Approach to Multimodality Monitoring in Severe Brain Injury
Published on: March 26, 2019
Raised intracranial pressure: nursing observations and interventions.
1Haematology and Oncology Unit, Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, London. marco_tullio.suadoni@whittington.nhs.uk
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|July 29, 2009
Summary
Head injury can cause increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This article explains the causes of raised ICP and essential nursing care for patients outside specialist units.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nursing Care
Background:
- Head injury is a frequent cause of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).
- Limited access to specialized neuroscience units necessitates broader nursing knowledge.
- Nurses outside specialized units may care for patients with raised ICP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the pathophysiology of raised intracranial pressure.
- To correlate vital observations with ICP.
- To outline key nursing interventions for managing raised ICP.
Main Methods:
- Review of pathophysiology of head injury and ICP.
- Analysis of the relationship between vital signs and ICP.
- Description of nursing interventions.
Main Results:
- Understanding ICP pathophysiology is crucial for patient management.
- Vital observations provide critical indicators of ICP levels.
- Timely nursing interventions can mitigate complications associated with raised ICP.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require knowledge of raised ICP management regardless of unit specialization.
- Effective monitoring and intervention are vital for patients with head injury and elevated ICP.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
01:23Hypertension V: Nursing Management
The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
01:22Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) results in an inability to maintain fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Effective nursing management is critical in improving patient outcomes and includes comprehensive patient assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed history collection is essential, focusing on any recent infections, nephrotoxic medication use, or chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that may contribute to AKI. During the physical...
01:26Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management
Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...