A patient with an intraventricular catheter monitoring device for increased ICP has an ICP reading of 15 mm Hg. This indicates what outcome?

A patient with an intraventricular catheter monitoring device for increased ICP has an ICP reading of 15 mm Hg. This indicates what outcome?

• A. 5 mm Hg
• B. 25 mm Hg
• C. 40 mm Hg
• D. 15 mm Hg

Answer: (D)

Intracranial pressure stays within a narrow, normal range in adults. A reading of 15 mm Hg sits at the upper end of normal, so it indicates that ICP is not elevated at this moment. It suggests stable intracranial pressure, though the patient should continue to be monitored because persistent or rising values (generally above about 20 mm Hg) would signal increased ICP and may require intervention.

Intracranial pressure stays within a narrow, normal range in adults. A reading of 15 mm Hg sits at the upper end of normal, so it indicates that ICP is not elevated at this moment. It suggests stable intracranial pressure, though the patient should continue to be monitored because persistent or rising values (generally above about 20 mm Hg) would signal increased ICP and may require intervention.