Test Bank Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Related

Review Test Bank Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 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: The correct answer is B, Widening pulse pressure. This indicates increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) as it signifies a significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A widening pulse pressure is a key sign of impending herniation and requires immediate intervention.

A: Gradual increase does not provide a clear indication of acute changes in ICP.
C: Rapid drop followed by gradual increase may suggest other conditions and is not specific to increasing ICP.
D: Rapid fluctuations may occur in various scenarios and do not specifically point to increasing ICP.

In summary, a widening pulse pressure is the most critical and specific indicator of increasing ICP among the choices provided.