The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute head injury. Which assessment finding would first alert the nurse that the patient is developing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Altered mental status

Tachycardia and hypotension

Fixed and dilated pupils

Widening pulse pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Altered mental status, such as confusion, restlessness, or lethargy, is often the earliest sign of increasing ICP as it reflects brain tissue compression.

B. Tachycardia and hypotension are not primary indicators of elevated ICP.

C. Fixed and dilated pupils indicate severe and often irreversible ICP increase, occurring later in the progression.

D. Widening pulse pressure is a later sign of increased ICP, following changes in mental status.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line is the location of the mitral valve, where murmurs associated with mitral valve disease are best auscultated.

B. The fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border is the location for assessing the tricuspid valve, not the mitral valve.

C. The third intercostal space at the left midclavicular line is not associated with loudest auscultation of the mitral valve murmur.

D. The second intercostal space at the right sternal border is where the aortic valve sounds are best heard.

A. T 92.5 F (33.6 C), BP 90/64, HR 80, RR 14, 02 Sat 97% Room Air B. T 98.7 F (36.4 C), BP 220/46, HR 30, RR 6, O2 Sat 98% Room Air C. T 98.6 F (37 C), BP 200/94, HR 90, RR 18, 02 Sat 100% Room Air D. T 103.1 F (39.5 C), BP 82/50, HR 132, RR 30, O2 Sat 99% Room Air

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The low blood pressure (90/64) may indicate hypovolemia or shock but is not specific for ICP concerns.

B. This set of vital signs is concerning due to the extremely high blood pressure (220/46) combined with a very low heart rate (30) and low respiratory rate (6), which can indicate an autonomic response to increased ICP, potentially leading to Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations).

C. Although the blood pressure is high (200/94), the heart rate is normal and the respiratory rate is stable, making this less alarming compared to option B.

D. The elevated temperature and abnormal heart rate (132) indicate potential fever and tachycardia, but the blood pressure (82/50) is low and does not directly indicate increased ICP.

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ABG Value	Normal Range
pH	7.35- 7.45
PaCO2	35-45 mm Hg
HCO3	22-25 mEq/L
Base excess	-2 to +2
PaO2	80-95 mm Hg
SaO2	>95%

The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute head injury. Which assessment finding would first alert the nurse that the patient is developing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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