After surgery for a supratentorial brain tumor, what intervention should the nurse implement to reduce the risk of increased ICP?

Elevating the head of the bed to 30° is an effective intervention to help reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) after surgery for a supratentorial brain tumor. This position helps to promote venous drainage from the brain, which can reduce the volume of blood in the cranial cavity and thereby lower ICP.

Elevating the head allows gravity to assist in this drainage process. It also helps to minimize the potential for complications such as edema and hematoma formation that could exacerbate ICP. Maintaining an appropriate elevation of the head is a common practice in post-operative care to safeguard against elevated ICP and ensure optimal recovery conditions for the patient.

In contrast, keeping the head flat would not facilitate venous return and could hinder drainage, potentially increasing ICP. Positioning the client on their abdomen could also lead to increased pressure on the head and neck, further risking an increase in ICP. Additionally, while fluid restriction might be necessary in certain contexts, it is not a standard intervention focused explicitly on managing ICP following supratentorial surgery. Hence, elevating the head of the bed to 30° is the recommended practice in this scenario.