Which of the following measures can be used to reduce increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

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Osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, are commonly used to reduce increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to their ability to draw fluid out of tissues and into the vascular space. This process helps to decrease the volume of intracranial contents, thereby reducing pressure within the skull. The osmotic agents work by increasing plasma osmolality, leading to osmotic diuresis, which effectively reduces cerebral edema and lowers ICP.

Corticosteroids can be used in managing certain types of cerebral edema, especially in conditions like brain tumors or certain inflammatory processes, but they are not universally effective for all causes of increased ICP and do not directly decrease ICP in the acute setting.

Fluid resuscitation generally increases overall fluid volume, which can exacerbate ICP rather than reduce it. Adequate fluid management is critical, but excessive fluid administration can worsen cerebral edema.

Low-dose aspirin is not a treatment for ICP. It is primarily used for its anticoagulant effects in preventing thromboembolic events, and does not have a role in managing intracranial pressure.

Therefore, the use of osmotic diuretics stands out as the most effective measure specifically aimed at reducing elevated ICP in various clinical scenarios.

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