You are taking care of a patient who has a Ventriculostomy in place. You know that this device is used for which of the following functions?

A. Measuring Intracranial Pressure (ICP) is correct because a ventriculostomy allows direct monitoring of pressure within the ventricles, which is critical for patients with increased ICP due to trauma, hemorrhage, or hydrocephalus. Continuous ICP monitoring helps guide interventions to prevent brain herniation and maintain cerebral perfusion. B. Draining Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) is correct because a ventriculostomy can be used to drain excess CSF. Controlled drainage reduces intracranial pressure, treats hydrocephalus, and can relieve symptoms such as headache, vomiting, or altered mental status. The drainage can be intermittent or continuous, depending on the patient’s condition and provider orders. C. Checking blood pressure is incorrect because a ventriculostomy does not measure systemic blood pressure. Blood pressure must be monitored separately using standard devices such as an arterial line or noninvasive cuff. D. Both A & B is correct because a ventriculostomy serves the dual purpose of monitoring ICP and allowing CSF drainage, making it a vital tool in the management of patients with severe neurological injuries or conditions causing elevated intracranial pressure.