What is a treatment to decrease intracranial pressure?

The correct choice for decreasing intracranial pressure is the administration of 250 ml of 3-5% hypertonic saline IV/IO bolus. Hypertonic saline is an effective treatment for managing elevated intracranial pressure because it works through the principles of osmotic gradient. When hypertonic saline is administered, it draws water out of the brain tissue and into the vascular space, thus reducing the volume of fluid within the skull. This can help alleviate pressure on the brain and improve overall cerebral perfusion.

The concentration of 3-5% saline provides a strong enough osmotic effect without the risks that might be associated with even more concentrated solutions. In the context of emergency treatment, using hypertonic saline is favored due to its rapid action and ease of administration via IV or IO routes.

In contrast, the other choices either suggest incorrect concentrations or volumes that are less effective in achieving the desired osmotic effect. For instance, a 0.9% saline solution is isotonic and would not effectively decrease intracellular fluid volumes or intracranial pressure. Higher concentrations or larger volumes, such as in the case of the 500 ml of 10% saline, may lead to adverse effects such as hypernatremia or