After teaching a nursing student about mitral valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation, the nurse identifies effective learning when the student identifies which common feature of both disorders?

Choice A: Severe Hypertension

Severe hypertension can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), but it is not typically the earliest sign. Hypertension often occurs as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure. While it is a significant finding, it usually follows other more immediate signs of increased ICP.

Choice B: Dilated and Nonreactive Pupils

Dilated and nonreactive pupils are a late sign of increased ICP and indicate severe brainstem compression. This finding suggests that the pressure has reached a critical level, leading to brain herniation. It is a very serious sign but not the earliest indicator of increasing ICP.

Choice C: Decreased Level of Consciousness

A decreased level of consciousness is often the earliest and most sensitive indicator of increasing ICP. Changes in consciousness can range from confusion and lethargy to complete unresponsiveness. This symptom reflects the brain’s response to increased pressure and reduced cerebral perfusion, making it a critical early sign that requires immediate attention.

Choice D: Projectile Vomiting

Projectile vomiting can occur with increased ICP due to pressure on the vomiting centers in the brainstem. However, it is not typically the earliest sign. Vomiting often accompanies other symptoms such as headache and changes in consciousness.

Choice A: Lean on your back with your knees bent.

Reason: This instruction is incorrect. Pursed lip breathing is typically performed in a seated position with the neck and shoulders relaxed. Lying on your back with knees bent is not a recommended position for this breathing technique.

Choice B: Use your abdominal muscles to squeeze air out of your lungs.

Reason: This instruction is correct. Using the abdominal muscles helps to expel air more effectively from the lungs, which is a key component of pursed lip breathing. This technique helps to improve ventilation and reduce the work of breathing.

Choice C: Breathe out slowly without puffing your cheeks.

Reason: This instruction is correct. Breathing out slowly through pursed lips without puffing the cheeks helps to keep the airways open longer, allowing more air to be expelled from the lungs. This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions.

Choice D: Focus on inhaling and holding your breath as long as you can.

Reason: This instruction is incorrect. The focus of pursed lip breathing is on controlled exhalation rather than holding the breath. Inhaling should be done slowly through the nose, and exhaling should be prolonged through pursed lips.

Choice E: Exhale at least twice the amount of time it took to breathe in.

Reason: This instruction is correct. The exhalation phase should be longer than the inhalation phase, typically taking at least twice as long. This helps to improve the efficiency of breathing and reduce shortness of breath.

Choice F: Open your mouth and breathe deeply.

Reason: This instruction is incorrect. Pursed lip breathing involves breathing in through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Opening the mouth and breathing deeply is not part of this technique.