NCLEX RN Med Surg Questions Related

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Which of the following respiratory patterns indicates increasing intracranial pressure in the brain stem?

  • A. Slow, irregular respirations.
  • B. Rapid, shallow respirations.
  • C. Asymmetric chest excursion.
  • D. Nasal flaring.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Slow, irregular respirations (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes or ataxic breathing) are indicative of brain stem dysfunction due to increasing intracranial pressure. Rapid, shallow respirations may indicate hypoxia, asymmetric chest excursion suggests mechanical issues, and nasal flaring is associated with respiratory distress, not specifically ICP.