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Increased Intracranial Pressure — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

ICP > 20 mmHg

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Reduction of Risk Potential 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Increased Intracranial Pressure on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Signs

What to look for

↓ LOC = earliest sign
Cushing's triad = late, ominous
↑ BP, ↓ HR, irregular RR

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Key facts

Unequal/fixed pupils, HA
Projectile vomiting, posturing
Widened pulse pressure

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Do

Nursing actions

HOB 30°, head midline
Mannitol, hypertonic saline
Avoid suction, clustering care

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Avoid

Key facts

No hip flexion, neck flexion
Prevent Valsalva, coughing

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Quick Tip

Earliest sign: decreasing level of consciousness / restlessness.

📖 Related Topics

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention Testicular Torsion Diabetic Nephropathy Shoulder Dystocia

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