Metabolic and nutritional needs of the patient with increased intracranial pressure are best met with which approach?

• A. Balanced, essential nutrition in a form that the patient can tolerate
• B. Enteral feedings that are low in sodium
• C. The simple glucose available in D5W IV solutions
• D. A fluid restriction that promotes dehydration

Answer: (A)

Metabolic needs in increased intracranial pressure must be met with nourishment that the patient can tolerate, because adequate, balanced nutrition supports brain metabolism, reduces catabolism, and preserves gut function essential for recovery. Providing essential nutrients in a form the patient can use—typically enteral nutrition when the GI tract works—helps maintain energy, protein stores, and immune function without overloading fluids or causing dangerous shifts in electrolytes. This approach also minimizes infection risk compared with parenteral nutrition and supports stable cerebral perfusion by avoiding both underfeeding and fluid/electrolyte imbalances.

The other options fall short because they either fail to provide balanced nutrition (a glucose-only IV solution), impose potential electrolyte or fluid disturbances (low-sodium enteral formulas without individualized needs, or dehydration from fluid restriction), or do not meet the full metabolic requirements needed for brain-injury recovery.