A 70-year-old patient is being closely monitored in the neurological critical care unit for a severe closed head injury.After 48 hours, signs of deterioration occur: pupils are small and sluggish, pulse pressure is widening, and heart rate is bradycardic.These clinical findings are evidence of what stage of intracranial hypertension?
A) Stage 1
B) Stage 2
C) Stage 3
D) Stage 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stage 3 is characterized by decreasing levels of arousal or central neurogenic hyperventilation, widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and pupils that become small and sluggish.Stage 1 is characterized by an ICP that may not change because of the effective compensatory mechanisms, and there may be few symptoms.Stage 2 is characterized by subtle and transient symptoms, including episodes of confusion, restlessness, drowsiness, and slight pupillary and breathing changes.Stage 4 is characterized by cessation of cerebral blood flow.

A 70-Year-Old Patient Is Being Closely Monitored in the Neurological