Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs when the pressure within the rigid skull exceeds 20 mmHg (normal 5–15 mmHg), compressing brain tissue and impairing cerebral perfusion. Without intervention, herniation and brainstem compression cause irreversible neurological injury or death within minutes to hours. The Monro-Kellie doctrine underpins all management: the skull is a fixed volume containing brain tissue (~80%), blood (~10%), and CSF (~10%); any increase in one component must displace another, or ICP rises. Top 3 Nursing Priorities: 1. Maintain cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = MAP − ICP) ≥60 mmHg — initiate MAP support and position the HOB at 30–45° 2. Identify and report the early triad of deterioration: rising systolic BP, widening pulse pressure (Cushing's triad = bradycardia + hypertension + irregular respirations) 3. Prevent secondary injury: avoid hypoxia (SpO₂ <94%), hypercapnia (PaCO₂ >45 mmHg), hypotension (SBP <90 mmHg), hyperthermia, and Valsalva manoeuvres Common NCLEX Trap: Students choose suctioning for a desaturating patient with increased ICP — suctioning raises ICP transiently and must be limited to ≤10 seconds with pre-oxygenation; it is NOT a first-line intervention. Another trap: Trendelenburg positioning...