NCLEX Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Practice Exam

Meeting the brain’s increased metabolic demands after a condition that raises ICP requires providing balanced, essential nutrition in a form the patient can tolerate. The brain uses more energy during injury, and adequate calories, protein, and micronutrients help prevent catabolism, support wound healing, and maintain immune and neurological function. Delivering nutrition via a route the patient tolerates—usually enteral feeding when possible—helps preserve gut integrity, reduces infection risk, and allows gradual adjustment of rate and composition to meet caloric and protein targets while monitoring for tolerance and electrolyte balance. Avoiding dehydration and unbalanced or inappropriate IV fluids is important. Fluid restriction that causes dehydration can compromise cerebral perfusion, worsening ischemia. IV solutions that are merely simple glucose (like D5W) can lead to hyperglycemia and fluid overload, which may worsen cerebral edema and ICP. Balanced nutrition tailored to the patient’s needs provides the best support for metabolic demands without introducing these risks.