Which of the following are primary reasons to measure intracranial pressure (ICP)?

1. To monitor patients at risk of life-threatening intracranial hypertension
2. To monitor for evidence of infection
3. To assess the effects of therapy aimed at reducing ICP
4. To maintain the mean ICP greater than 20 mm Hg
a. 1 only
b. 1, 2, and 4 only
c. 1, 2, 3 only
d. 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANS: C
There are three primary reasons to measure intracranial pressure (ICP): (1) to monitor patients at risk of life-threatening intracranial hypertension, (2) to monitor for evidence of inflection, and (3) to assess the effects of therapy aimed at reducing ICP. Also, normal mean ICP for a patient in the supine is normally 10 to 15 mm Hg, ICP. Elevations in ICP to 15 to 20 mm Hg compress the capillary bed and compromise microcirculation.