Burns Pediatric Primary Care 7th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Burns Pediatric Primary Care 7th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

Which of the following BP changes alerts the nurse to increasing ICP, and should be reported immediately?

  • A. Gradual increase
  • B. Widening pulse pressure
  • C. Rapid drop followed by gradual increase
  • D. Rapid fluctuations
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Widening pulse pressure is indicative of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) and must be reported immediately. Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the diastolic blood pressure from the systolic blood pressure. An increasing pulse pressure can suggest a rise in ICP due to factors like cerebral edema or hemorrhage. This change indicates increased pressure exerted on blood vessels within the brain, potentially leading to serious consequences like brain herniation. Thus, recognizing and promptly reporting a widening pulse pressure is crucial to prevent further complications and enable appropriate interventions for the patient.