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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Depth perception is the ability to judge the distance and position of objects in three-dimensional space. Depth perception is assessed by asking the client to touch the tip of a pen or pencil held by the nurse, or by using a stereopsis test.
Choice B Reason: Peripheral vision is the ability to see objects and movements outside the direct line of vision. Peripheral vision is assessed by asking the client to shake the hand of the nurse, who stands at an angle to the client's side, or by using a confrontation test.
Choice C Reason: Color deficit is the inability to distinguish certain colors or shades of colors. Color deficit is assessed by asking the client to identify numbers or shapes on a color plate test, such as the Ishihara test.
Choice D Reason: Double vision is the perception of two images of a single object. Double vision is assessed by asking the client to cover one eye and look at an object, then switch eyes and compare the images, or by using a cover-uncover test.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct because the lesion on the child's head is most likely a hemangioma, which is a benign tumor of blood vessels that appears as a red or purple mark on the skin. Hemangiomas are common in newborns and usually grow during the first year of life, then shrink and fade over several years. The nurse should reassure the client that hemangiomas are harmless and do not require treatment unless they interfere with vision, breathing, or feeding.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the lesion on the child's head will not spread, but rather grow and shrink within a limited area. The nurse should not alarm the client by suggesting that the lesion will spread to other parts of the body or become malignant. The nurse should explain that hemangiomas are not contagious or infectious and do not affect the child's overall health or development.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the lesion on the child's head is not caused by scarring from the birth process, but rather by abnormal growth of blood vessels in the skin. The nurse should not confuse or misinform the client about the cause of the lesion. The nurse should explain that hemangiomas are not related to trauma, infection, or genetics, but rather to unknown factors that influence blood vessel formation during fetal development.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the lesion on the child's head is not a precancerous lesion and does not need a referral to a dermatologist. The nurse should not scare or mislead the client by suggesting that the lesion is a sign of cancer or requires further evaluation or treatment. The nurse should explain that hemangiomas are benign and usually resolve on their own without any complications or sequelae.
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