CCNS Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist

Answer - D - The nurse would become most concerned if the readings drifted to and stayed in the vicinity of 20 mmHg. Normal intracranial pressure readings range from 5 to 15 mmHg pressure. Pressures ≥20 mmHg are considered to represent increased intracranial pressure, which seriously impairs cerebral perfusion. Studies indicate that intracranial pressure requires treatment ≥ 20 mm Hg although some doctors believe that infants and young children may need treatment at lower pressures.