A patient is admitted with signs of a stroke (CVA). On admission, vital signs were blood pressure 128/70, pulse 68, and respirations 20

Question

Two hours later the patient is not awake, has a blood pressure of 170/70, pulse 52, and the left pupil is now slower than the right pupil in reacting to light. These findings suggest which condition? 1. Impending brain death
2. Decreasing intracranial pressure
3. Stabilization of the patient's condition
4. Increasing intracranial pressure

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Brain death is diagnosed by a lack of brain waves and inability to maintain vital function.
Rationale 2: Rising systolic blood pressure, falling pulse, and a pupil that has become sluggish suggest increasing another condition.
Rationale 3: This is an emergency situation that requires intervention, as the patient's condition is becoming more unstable.
Rationale 4: Rising systolic blood pressure, falling pulse, and a pupil that has become sluggish suggest increasing intracranial pressure (IICP). This is an emergency situation that requires notification of the physician.