What is one of the earliest signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
Cushing triad.
Decreased level of consciousness (LOC).
Headache.
Coma.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Cushing triad is a late sign of increased ICP, characterized by bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations, appearing after other symptoms like decreased LOC.
Choice B rationale
Decreased LOC is one of the earliest signs of increased ICP as it reflects the brain's response to pressure changes, alerting the need for immediate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Headache can be an early sign but is not as sensitive or specific as changes in LOC when assessing for increased ICP.
Choice D rationale
Coma is a late sign of significantly increased ICP, indicating severe brain dysfunction, often following initial symptoms like decreased LOC.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ativan (lorazepam) is used for immediate control of seizures but is not used for long-term maintenance.
Choice B rationale
Cerebyx (fosphenytoin) is used for seizure control but is generally not used for long-term maintenance.
Choice C rationale
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that is commonly used for long-term maintenance to prevent seizures. It works by depressing the central nervous system and reducing the spread of seizure activity.
Choice D rationale
Valium (diazepam) is used for acute seizure control but not for long-term seizure prevention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Fever is typically regulated by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls body temperature. Dysfunction of the lower brain stem does not typically cause fever.
Choice B rationale
Visual disturbances are often related to issues with the visual cortex or optic pathways, which are not part of the lower brain stem.
Choice C rationale
Gait alteration is typically associated with dysfunction in the cerebellum or motor pathways, rather than the lower brain stem.
Choice D rationale
Hypoxia, or decreased oxygen levels, can be a critical concern with lower brain stem dysfunction as the lower brain stem controls vital autonomic functions such as respiration and heart rate.
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