Physiological Adaptation Q 69
While monitoring a male client several hours after a motor vehicle accident, which assessment data suggest increasing intracranial pressure?
A. Blood pressure has decreased from 160/90 to 110/70.
B. Pulse is increased from 87 to 95, with an occasional skipped beat.
C. The client is oriented when aroused from sleep and goes back to sleep immediately.
D. The client refuses dinner because of anorexia.
Correct Answer: C. The client is oriented when aroused from sleep and goes back to sleep immediately.
This finding suggests that the level of consciousness is decreasing.
Option A: A blood pressure level of 110/70 mmHg is within normal limits. Increased intracranial pressure is caused by an increase in blood pressure.
Option B: A pulse rate of 95 bpm is within the normal range. When arterial blood pressure exceeds the intracranial pressure, blood flow to the brain is restored. The increased arterial blood pressure caused by the CNS ischemic response stimulates the baroceptors in the carotid bodies, thus slowing the heart rate drastically often to the point of bradycardia.
Option D: Anorexia is not related to increased intracranial pressure. Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight.