A patient who is unconscious after a head injury has cerebral edema. Which nursing intervention will be included in the plan of care?

A. Keep the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees: Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous drainage from the brain, reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by cerebral edema. Proper head positioning is a noninvasive, evidence-based intervention to prevent further neurologic compromise while maintaining cerebral perfusion. B. Position the patient with knees and hips flexed: Flexing the hips and knees can increase intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure, which may impair venous return from the brain and exacerbate elevated ICP. For patients with cerebral edema, supine or semi-Fowler positions with slight head elevation are preferred. C. Administer pain medications at frequent intervals: Pain control is important in head injury management, but excessive sedation or overuse of opioids can mask neurologic changes and alter the assessment of ICP. Analgesics should be administered judiciously and as indicated, not at fixed frequent intervals. D. Encourage coughing and deep breathing: While deep breathing prevents atelectasis, coughing increases intrathoracic and intracranial pressure, which can worsen cerebral edema. Pulmonary hygiene must be balanced with interventions to minimize ICP, such as gentle suctioning and controlled ventilatory support if needed.