A mother arrives in an emergency room with her infant and the mother states that the child fell off a bunk bed. A head injury is suspected and a nurse is assessing the child continuously for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following is a late sign of increased ICP in this child?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A late sign of increased ICP in this patient is bradycardia. Late signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) include a significant decrease in level of consciousness, bradycardia, and fixed and dilated pupils. A bulging fontanel and dilated scalp veins are early signs of increased ICP and would be noted in an infant, not a 5-year-old child. Nausea is an early sign of increased ICP.

A Mother Arrives in an Emergency Room with Her Infant