Brain Injury and ICP Management Exam questions and answers

Brain Injury and ICP Management Exam questions and answers Mannitol (Osmitrol) - Use: Osmotic diuretic IV for decreasing ICP in brain injury/meningitis; draws fluid out of tissues. Side effects: Hypotension (BP decrease), tachycardia (HR increase), electrolyte imbalances (hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia), dehydration. Admin: IV via filter to prevent crystallization; monitor renal function/osmolality; avoid in anuria/severe heart failure; rapid infusion risks fluid overload. Hypertonic Saline Solution - Use: Moves water out of swollen brain cells into vessels for increased ICP in brain injury. Side effects: Intravascular fluid excess, BP changes, serum sodium elevation. Admin: IV infusion; monitor BP and serum sodium; often used with mannitol for severe brain injury. Dexamethasone - Use: Treat vasogenic edema around tumors/abscesses; radiation for edema/ICP in cancer; with antibiotics in meningitis. Side effects: Hypertension (BP increase), tachycardia (HR increase), hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hyperglycemia. Admin: Oral or IV; taper doses to avoid adrenal suppression; monitor for infection/glucose; high doses IV for edema. Not recommended for TBI.