Which of the following are interventions used to prevent increased intracranial pressure in a patient who has had an acute brain injury? (Select all that apply.)
a. Keep head of bed elevated 30 degrees.
b. Administer stool softeners.
c. Encourage deep breathing and coughing.
d. Avoid hip flexion.
e. Administer opioid analgesics for headache.
ANS: A, B, D
Elevation of the head of the bed may help reduce intracranial pressure (ICP). Stool softeners prevent straining, which can increase ICP. Hip flexion may also increase ICP. Coughing can increase ICP, and opioid analgesics make neurological assessment difficult.
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