Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Frontline interventions for Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) can include which of these?

1. Weight management

2. Wound care

3. Initial interventions like fluid management

4. Pain management

The correct answer is: Initial interventions like fluid management

The correct answer highlights the critical initial interventions needed to address increased intracranial pressure (ICP). When a patient presents with increased ICP, it is essential to implement frontline measures that aim to reduce intracranial pressure effectively and promptly. Fluid management plays a pivotal role in this process. Proper fluid status helps maintain adequate cerebral perfusion and can prevent further increases in ICP. For instance, hypertonic saline or mannitol may be utilized to create an osmotic gradient that draws fluid out of the brain tissue, reducing swelling and pressure within the skull. In contrast, although weight management, wound care, and pain management are important aspects of overall patient care, they are not considered immediate frontline interventions specifically aimed at managing ICP. Weight management is more relevant in the context of long-term health outcomes, wound care focuses on preventing infection and promoting healing, and while managing pain is essential for patient comfort, it does not directly address the acute challenges posed by increased ICP. Therefore, initial interventions like fluid management are crucial in stabilizing patients with this condition.