The nurse is caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (IICP) caused by a traumatic brain injury
Which of the following clinical manifestations would indicate that the patient is experiencing increased brain compression causing brainstem damage?
A) Hyperthermia
B) Tachycardia
C) Hypertension
D) Bradypnea
Ans: A
Feedback: Signs of increasing ICP include slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia), increasing systolic blood pressure, and widening pulse pressure. As brain compression increases, respirations become rapid, blood pressure may decrease, and the pulse slows further. A rapid rise in body temperature is regarded as unfavorable. Hyperthermia increases the metabolic demands of the brain and may indicate brainstem damage.
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