A patient with an intraventricular catheter for the assessment of increased intracranial pressure is demonstrating sustained increases of pressure of greater than 30 mm Hg for 20 minutes
Which intracranial wave form would the nurse find that is the most consistent with this patient's condition? 1. B waves
2. C waves
3. A waves
4. P2 waves
3
Rationale: A waves, also knows as plateau waves, are clinically significant. Signs of neurologic deterioration may be seen with these waves that include decreasing level of consciousness, pupillary changes, and posturing. B and C waves are usually normal. B waves signify low-intracranial compliance, and C waves vary with respiration and blood pressure.
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