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

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Why would a physician order mannitol for a patient with a subdural hematoma?

To reduce intraocular pressure

To prevent acute tubular necrosis

To promote osmotic diuresis to decrease ICP

Mannitol is a type of osmotic diuretic commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure by promoting osmotic diuresis. When mannitol is administered, it increases the osmolarity of the blood plasma which draws fluid from the tissues, including the brain, into the bloodstream. This mechanism helps decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) by reducing the amount of fluid in the brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid compartments. Therefore, in the case of a subdural hematoma, the physician may order mannitol to help decrease ICP and improve the patient's neurological status.

Options A, B, and D are not the correct reasons for prescribing mannitol in the scenario of a subdural hematoma.

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To draw water into the vascular system to increase blood pressure

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