Question

A patient with increased intracranial pressure is receiving mannitol. To evaluate the effectiveness of this drug, the nurse should assess the client for which of the following:
1. Decreased pulse rate
2. Increased temperature
3. Increased urine output
4. Increased pupillary reaction

Answer 1

"Correct Answer - Option 4 : Increased pupillary reaction

CONCEPT: 

• Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the pressure exerted by fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the skull and on the brain tissue.
• ICP is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and at rest, is normally 7–15 mmHg for an adult. 

 

EXPLANATION:  

• Mannitol exerts its ICP-lowering effects via two mechanisms; an immediate effect because of plasma expansion and a slightly delayed effect related to its osmotic action.
• Together, these effects result in an increase in regional cerebral blood flow and compensatory cerebral vasoconstriction in brain regions.

Hence, the correct answer is Increased pupillary reaction.

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