Which of the following responses indicates sympathetic nervous system activation?

A. Shallow, even respirations may be a normal finding or indicate respiratory distress, but it is not a specific sign of increased ICP. It should still be monitored, but it is not the most concerning finding in this scenario.

B. Narrowing pulse pressure, which is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, is a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). As ICP rises, the body compensates by increasing systolic blood pressure and decreasing diastolic pressure, leading to a narrowing pulse pressure. This is a critical sign that should be reported immediately to the RN.

C. Increased systolic blood pressure is a compensatory mechanism to maintain cerebral perfusion when ICP increases. While it is concerning, it is not as immediately alarming as narrowing pulse pressure, which is a more direct indicator of increased ICP.

D. A pulse of 98 is within normal limits for most adults and does not indicate any immediate concern regarding increased ICP. It should be monitored, but it does not require urgent reporting to the RN.

A. Neutropenic precautions are used for clients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow suppression. This is not appropriate for bacterial meningitis.

B. Contact isolation is used for infections that are transmitted through direct contact with the patient or their environment, such as MRSA or C. difficile. Bacterial meningitis, however, is spread through respiratory droplets.

C. Universal precautions refer to standard infection control practices (like hand hygiene and wearing gloves) that apply to all patients, but specific precautions are needed for certain infections like bacterial meningitis.

D. Droplet isolation is necessary for bacterial meningitis, as it is transmitted via respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. This isolation prevents the spread of the infection to others in close proximity.