Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) Practice Exam

For what condition is Mannitol primarily indicated?

1. Cerebral edema

2. Heart failure

3. Diabetic ketoacidosis

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Cerebral edema

Mannitol is primarily indicated for cerebral edema due to its osmotic diuretic properties, which help to reduce intracranial pressure. When administered, mannitol creates an osmotic gradient that pulls water out of swollen brain tissues, thereby alleviating excess fluid and decreasing edema. This can be particularly crucial in conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or any circumstance where elevated intracranial pressure poses a threat to neurological function. In contrast, the other conditions listed do not primarily benefit from the use of mannitol. While it may have some effects in heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypertension, these conditions are managed more effectively with other specific treatments. For example, heart failure is typically treated with diuretics that target fluid overload in a different manner, while diabetic ketoacidosis management focuses on insulin therapy and electrolyte balance rather than osmotic diuretics. Hypertension is usually controlled with a range of antihypertensive medications rather than mannitol.