When ICP reads 22 mmHg, the first-line nursing action is to elevate the head of bed to 30 degrees and maintain the head in a neutral midline alignment. This promotes jugular venous drainage and facilitates cerebrospinal fluid flow, immediately reducing intracranial volume.
Avoid hip flexion or bending the neck, as these can compress jugular veins and increase ICP. Ensure the cervical collar is not too tight if one is in place. This positioning optimizes cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) by maximizing venous outflow without compromising arterial inflow.
Do not encourage coughing or deep breathing exercises during acute ICP elevation. These activities mimic the Valsalva maneuver, increasing intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return from the brain, and causing a dangerous spike in ICP.
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