You respond to a patient who has an AV shunt in place. You notice that the patient is unresponsive with the following vital signs: blood pressure, 180/100 mmHg; pulse: 48; respirations: 12 and irregular. You suspect:
A) increased intracranial pressure.
B) decreased intracranial pressure.
C) seizure.
D) normal status for an AV shunt patient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's unresponsiveness, along with an elevated blood pressure and irregular respirations, may indicate increased intracranial pressure. This is a potential complication of patients with AV shunts, and should be treated as an emergency.

You Respond to a Patient Who Has an AV Shunt