Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Elevating the head of the bed during ICP management is primarily intended to achieve which outcome?

1. Enhance oxygenation

2. Increase venous drainage

3. Decrease intracranial fluid

4. Lower blood pressure

The correct answer is: Increase venous drainage

Elevating the head of the bed during intracranial pressure (ICP) management is primarily aimed at increasing venous drainage. When the head of the bed is elevated, it facilitates the drainage of venous blood from the cranial cavity, which can help reduce the pressure within the skull. This position promotes gravitational effects that aid in venous outflow and decreases the hydrostatic pressure, ultimately contributing to a reduction in ICP. The elevation of the bed does indeed enhance oxygenation and can indirectly support blood pressure management; however, those outcomes are secondary to the primary goal of optimizing venous return. While decreasing intracranial fluid could be a beneficial effect of good drainage practices, the direct link to elevating the head of the bed specifically correlates to improving venous drainage as the primary mechanism to manage and lower ICP effectively.