In critical care settings, Mannitol is used to:

In critical care settings, Mannitol is used to:

• A. Reduce cerebral edema.
• B. Increase cerebral perfusion pressure.
• C. Treat infection.
• D. Manage seizures.

Answer: (A)

Mannitol is an osmotic agent used to lower intracranial pressure by increasing plasma osmolality, which draws water out of edematous brain tissue into the bloodstream and reduces cerebral edema. In critical care, this helps relieve pressure inside the skull and can indirectly improve cerebral perfusion by relieving compression, making it a common intervention when ICP is elevated. It is not an antibiotic or anticonvulsant and its primary role is not to raise cerebral perfusion pressure directly; lowering ICP is the main effect, and any improvement in CPP comes from reducing ICP while maintaining adequate mean arterial pressure. Monitor closely for fluid and electrolyte shifts, since mannitol can cause dehydration, hyponatremia or hypernatremia, and it can worsen renal function or precipitate pulmonary edema if misused. Use is contraindicated in patients with significant dehydration, anuria, or severe renal impairment, and careful dosing and reassessment are essential to avoid rebound ICP.

Mannitol is an osmotic agent used to lower intracranial pressure by increasing plasma osmolality, which draws water out of edematous brain tissue into the bloodstream and reduces cerebral edema. In critical care, this helps relieve pressure inside the skull and can indirectly improve cerebral perfusion by relieving compression, making it a common intervention when ICP is elevated. It is not an antibiotic or anticonvulsant and its primary role is not to raise cerebral perfusion pressure directly; lowering ICP is the main effect, and any improvement in CPP comes from reducing ICP while maintaining adequate mean arterial pressure. Monitor closely for fluid and electrolyte shifts, since mannitol can cause dehydration, hyponatremia or hypernatremia, and it can worsen renal function or precipitate pulmonary edema if misused. Use is contraindicated in patients with significant dehydration, anuria, or severe renal impairment, and careful dosing and reassessment are essential to avoid rebound ICP.