Which activities or actions must be avoided in a client with increased ICP?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a critical condition that requires careful management to prevent further complications. Sneezing and coughing are activities that can significantly elevate ICP due to the increase in thoracic pressure, which, in turn, affects intracranial pressure. These actions can lead to a sudden increase in pressure within the skull, potentially exacerbating the client’s condition or causing damage to already compromised brain structures.

Avoiding sneezing and coughing helps maintain stable ICP levels, which is crucial for the wellbeing of the patient. It is important for healthcare providers to implement measures such as providing medications to suppress a cough or ensuring the patient practices controlled breathing techniques during such reflex actions to minimize the impact on their ICP.

Other activities like walking, stretching, eating, drinking, talking, and listening can generally be managed or modified to either accommodate or protect the client’s intracranial pressure status; however, the specific actions of sneezing and coughing pose a direct and immediate risk that needs to be actively managed and avoided.