A nurse is caring for a client who has an intracranial pressure (ICP) reading of 40 mm Hg. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a late sign of ICP? (Select all that apply.)
Slurred speech.
Bradycardia with a bounding pulse.
Confusion.
Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure.
Nonreactive dilated pupils.
Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
The correct answers are b, d, and e.
Choice A: Slurred speech.
Slurred speech can be associated with increased ICP due to the pressure effects on the brain areas responsible for speech production. However, it is not typically considered a late sign of increased ICP. It may occur earlier in the progression as the brain's ability to coordinate muscle movements is affected.
Choice B: Bradycardia with a bounding pulse.
Bradycardia with a bounding pulse is a classic sign of Cushing's triad, which is a late and ominous sign of significantly increased ICP. It indicates that the body is attempting to increase arterial blood pressure to overcome the increased ICP and maintain cerebral perfusion. The normal range for adult heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute.
Choice C: Confusion.
Confusion can be an early sign of increased ICP as it can indicate changes in cerebral function. However, it is not specifically a late sign of increased ICP. Early signs of increased ICP can include headache, nausea, and confusion, as the brain is initially responding to the pressure changes.
Choice D: Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure.
Hypertension with an increasing pulse pressure is another component of Cushing's triad. It reflects the body's compensatory mechanism to preserve cerebral blood flow in the face of rising ICP. An increasing pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is a late sign of increased ICP. Normal pulse pressure is typically 30-40 mm Hg.
Choice E: Nonreactive dilated pupils.
Nonreactive dilated pupils are a late sign of increased ICP and indicate pressure on the cranial nerves that control pupil size and reaction to light. This is a grave sign and often indicates impending brain herniation.
Choice F: Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure.
Hypotension with a decreasing pulse pressure is not typically associated with increased ICP. In fact, hypertension with a widening pulse pressure would be more indicative of increased ICP as part of Cushing's triad.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because portal hypertension means that there is high blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. When the liver is damaged by hepatitis, it becomes scarred and obstructs the blood flow, causing increased pressure in the portal vein. This leads to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, called ascites, which causes abdominal swelling.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because portal hypertension is not caused by the heart overworking but by liver damage. The heart does not pump blood into the portal vein, but into the hepatic artery, which supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because portal hypertension does not develop when cirrhosis begins to resolve, but when it progresses. Cirrhosis is a chronic condition that causes irreversible scarring of the liver tissue, which worsens over time and increases portal hypertension.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because eating high-sodium foods and a stressful lifestyle do not cause portal hypertension, but they can aggravate it. High-sodium foods can increase fluid retention and worsen ascites, while stress can increase blood pressure and worsen bleeding complications. The nurse should advise the client to limit sodium intake and manage stress levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have reduced vision and an increased risk of falling with a patch on one eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should reassure the client, provide assistance with mobility, and educate the client on safety measures.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have some itching and discomfort in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should commend the client for not rubbing the eye, as this can cause infection or damage to the surgical site. The nurse should also administer anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed and instruct the client on how to apply them.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have increased sensitivity to light in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should dim the lights in the room, provide sunglasses or a shield for the eye, and educate the client on how to protect the eye from bright light.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because this comment requires reporting to the client's provider. Severe pain in the eye after cataract surgery can indicate a complication such as infection, inflammation, bleeding, or increased intraocular pressure. The nurse should assess the eye for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding, and report the findings and the pain level to the provider. The nurse should also administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor the pain relief.
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