The nurse is caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure. Which action is considered unsafe?

A) Aligning the neck with the body
B) Clustering many nursing activities
C) Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees
D) Providing stool softeners or laxatives as ordered

It is important to minimize stress and activities that could increase intracranial pressure. Combining many nursing activities could increase oxygen demand and intracranial pressure. This would not be safe. Interventions which can promote venous outflow can help decrease intracranial pressure. The stress of constipation or bowel movements can increase intracranial pressure; stool softeners or laxatives can minimize this.