While assessing vital signs of a patient with a head injury and increased intracranial pressure (IICP), a nurse notes that the patient's respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min. How will the nurse interpret this finding?
A) bradypnea is uncommon in patient with IICP
B) IICP most commonly results in tachypnea
C) bradypnea is a response to IICP
D) this is a normal respiratory rate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bradypnea is a response to IICP, as it is the body's attempt to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood and therefore decrease cerebral blood flow. Tachypnea is not a common finding in patients with IICP. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min is not normal, as a normal respiratory rate for an adult is between 12-20 breaths/min.

While Assessing Vital Signs of a Patient with a Head