Question

The nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure, ICP. The nurse would note which of the following trends in vital signs if the ICP is rising?

a. decreasing temperature, increasing pulse, decreasing respirations, increasing blood pressure
b. decreasing temperature, decreasing pulse, increasing respirations, decreasing blood pressure
c. increasing temperature, decreasing pulse, decreasing respirations, increasing blood pressure
d. increasing temperature, increasing pulse, increasing respirations, decreasing blood pressure

Answer 1

If the intracranial pressure (ICP) is rising in a client, the nurse would note an increasing temperature, increasing pulse, increasing respirations, and decreasing blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the intracranial pressure (ICP) is rising in a client, the nurse would note the following trends in vital signs:

a. increasing temperature, increasing pulse, increasing respirations, decreasing blood pressure

The increase in temperature is due to the body's attempt to regulate the increased ICP, while the increased pulse and respirations are the body's response to the stress. The decreasing blood pressure is a result of increased intracranial pressure affecting cerebral perfusion.