Restless following a traumatic brain injury with increased intracranial pressure: which action is appropriate?

Restless following a traumatic brain injury with increased intracranial pressure: which action is appropriate?

• A. Place them in a room with reduced stimulation
• B. Increase activity
• C. Encourage visitors frequently
• D. Keep lights bright

Answer: (A)

Minimizing environmental stimulation helps prevent increases in intracranial pressure in a patient who is restless after a traumatic brain injury. Restlessness and agitation raise oxygen demand and can trigger responses that increase cerebral blood flow and pressure, so a quiet, dim room with limited stimuli supports ICP control. Increasing activity, inviting frequent visitors, or keeping lights bright would add stimulation and likely worsen ICP.

Minimizing environmental stimulation helps prevent increases in intracranial pressure in a patient who is restless after a traumatic brain injury. Restlessness and agitation raise oxygen demand and can trigger responses that increase cerebral blood flow and pressure, so a quiet, dim room with limited stimuli supports ICP control. Increasing activity, inviting frequent visitors, or keeping lights bright would add stimulation and likely worsen ICP.