The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute brain injury.
Which of the following sets of vital signs would concern the nurse about increasing intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Choice A rationale

Nitroprusside is a vasodilator for hypertensive crises but is contraindicated in elevated ICP because it increases cerebral blood volume and exacerbates intracranial pressure, worsening the patient's condition.

Choice B rationale

Hypertonic saline (3%) helps reduce ICP by drawing excess fluid from brain tissue into the bloodstream through osmosis, effectively lowering intracranial pressure while maintaining cerebral perfusion.

Choice C rationale

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that reduces fluid overload but does not specifically target ICP. It is less effective in managing the osmotic balance required for intracranial pressure reduction.

Choice D rationale

Norepinephrine is a vasopressor used to treat hypotension and improve perfusion but does not lower ICP and may increase cerebral vasoconstriction, exacerbating intracranial hypertension. .

Choice A rationale

Chin tuck alters airway mechanics, reducing aspiration risk by improving epiglottic closure and minimizing passage of food into respiratory pathways.

Choice B rationale

Pureeing protein may ease swallowing but does not inherently reduce aspiration risk compared to specific swallowing techniques.

Choice C rationale

Unsupervised snack access increases aspiration risk, as dysphagia requires monitored intake to prevent respiratory complications.

Choice D rationale

Background music may provide relaxation but does not scientifically mitigate aspiration risks in dysphagia-related interventions. .