Ace the Certified Medical-Surgical RN Exam 2026 – Power Up Your Nursing Game!

Question: 1 / 400

For a patient with a subdural hematoma and dilation of one pupil, why is mannitol ordered?

To reduce eye pressure

To prevent kidney damage

To decrease brain pressure through diuresis

Mannitol is a type of osmotic diuretic that is commonly used to decrease intracranial pressure in conditions such as a subdural hematoma. When a patient has a subdural hematoma and dilation of one pupil, it indicates increased intracranial pressure. Mannitol works by drawing fluid out of brain tissue and into the bloodstream, ultimately reducing the pressure inside the brain. This helps improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, potentially preventing further brain damage. Therefore, the correct answer is C, to decrease brain pressure through diuresis.

Options A, B, and D are incorrect because mannitol is not primarily used to reduce eye pressure, prevent kidney damage, or increase blood pressure. Its main mechanism of action is to decrease intracranial pressure through diuresis.

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To increase blood pressure by drawing in water

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