Which change in vital signs should alert the nurse to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a child with a head injury?
a. Rapid, shallow breathing
b. Irregular, rapid heart rate
c. Increased diastolic pressure with narrowing pulse pressure
d. Confusion and altered mental status
D
The child with a head injury may have confusion and altered mental status, a change in vital signs, retinal hemorrhage, hemiparesis, and papilledema. Respiratory changes occur with increased intracranial pressure. One pattern that may be evident is Cheyne-Stokes respiration. This pattern of breathing is characterized by an increasing rate and depth, then a decreasing rate and depth, with a pause of variable length. Temperature elevation may occur in children with increased intracranial pressure. Changes in blood pressure occur, but the diastolic pressure does not increase, nor is there a narrowing of pulse pressure.
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a. premature ventricular contractions. c. ventricular fibrillation. b. ventricular tachycardia. d. asystole.
Which of the following are true statements about what research means? (Choose all that apply.) Research:
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