Which Nursing Intervention for the Patient with Increased Intracranial Pressure would be first priority?

Choice A: Pressure ulcer is not the most serious complication of a patient with altered level of consciousness, but rather a common and preventable complication that can cause skin breakdown, infection, and pain.

Choice B: Aspiration is the most serious complication of a patient with altered level of consciousness, as it can cause pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.

Choice C: Contractures is not the most serious complication of a patient with altered level of consciousness, but rather a potential and reversible complication that can cause muscle stiffness, joint deformity, and reduced mobility.

Choice D: Deep vein thrombosis is not the most serious complication of a patient with altered level of consciousness, but rather a possible and treatable complication that can cause blood clots, swelling, and pain in the legs.

Choice A: Thickened liquids or pureed diet is correct because it can prevent aspiration, choking, or malnutrition in stroke patients. A stroke can impair the patient's ability to swallow, chew, or control their tongue and mouth movements. This can cause food or liquids to enter the airway instead of the esophagus, leading to pneumonia or death. A thickened liquid or pureed diet consists of foods that are smooth, soft, and easy to swallow. The nurse should assess the patient's swallowing function and provide appropriate food and drink consistency.

Choice B: Regular diet is incorrect because it can be unsafe or unsuitable for stroke patients. A regular diet consists of foods that are solid, crunchy, or sticky and require normal chewing and swallowing abilities. The nurse should not give a regular diet to a stroke patient unless they have passed a swallowing evaluation and have no signs of dysphagia.

Choice C: Renal diet is incorrect because it is not specific to stroke patients. A renal diet is designed for patients with kidney disease or failure. It limits the intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein to reduce the workload and waste products of the kidneys. The nurse should not give a renal diet to a stroke patient unless they also have a kidney condition and a doctor's order.

Choice D: Cardiac diet is incorrect because it is not specific to stroke patients. A cardiac diet is designed for patients with heart disease or risk factors. It limits the intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar to lower the blood pressure and cholesterol levels and prevent further damage to the heart. The nurse should not give a cardiac diet to a stroke patient unless they also have a heart condition and a doctor's order.