Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can occur due to several pathological processes, and cerebral edema is one of the most common causes. Cerebral edema refers to the swelling of brain tissue due to excess fluid accumulation, which can happen after a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or infection. This swelling increases the volume within the cranial cavity, leading to elevated ICP. The brain is contained within the rigid confines of the skull, leaving little room for expansion. When the volume of brain tissue or associated fluids increases, ICP rises, potentially causing brain compression, reduced cerebral perfusion, and other serious complications. Understanding the mechanisms leading to cerebral edema, such as inflammatory responses, vascular permeability changes, and cellular injury, further emphasizes why it is a common and significant cause of increased ICP in various neurological conditions.