What is the appropriate head elevation for a client with increased intracranial pressure?

When managing a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), elevating the head of the bed is a critical intervention. The appropriate elevation for ICP management is typically around 30 degrees. This elevation helps facilitate venous drainage from the cranial cavity, potentially reducing ICP. By promoting venous outflow, this positioning helps decrease pressure within the skull.

Elevations lower than 30 degrees may not effectively support venous return, and higher elevations could inadvertently compromise cerebral perfusion. Therefore, maintaining the head of the bed at an angle of approximately 30 degrees is a standard practice for improving hemodynamics and mitigating complications associated with elevated ICP.