A patient who is suspected of having an epidural hematoma is admitted to the emergency department. Which action will the nurse plan to take?

A. Initiate high-dose barbiturate therapy: High-dose barbiturates may be used in some cases to reduce cerebral metabolic demand and intracranial pressure, but they do not address the underlying cause of an epidural hematoma, which is a rapidly expanding arterial bleed. Definitive surgical intervention is required to prevent brain herniation. B. Administration of IV furosemide: Furosemide is a diuretic that can reduce intracranial pressure indirectly, but it is not a primary treatment for epidural hematoma. Relying on diuretics alone will not stop arterial bleeding or relieve mass effect, which are life-threatening in this condition. C. Prepare patient for immediate craniotomy: Epidural hematomas are often caused by arterial bleeding and can rapidly expand, leading to increased intracranial pressure and herniation. The priority intervention is emergent surgical evacuation of the hematoma via craniotomy to prevent irreversible neurologic damage and death. D. Type and cross-match for blood transfusion: While blood products may be necessary if significant blood loss occurs, transfusion does not treat the primary threat of expanding intracranial pressure. Preparing for surgery takes precedence over obtaining blood products.