A patient's initial assessment revealed blood pressure 128/70, pulse 68, respirations 20, and pupils equal and reactive. The patient is awake and responding to verbal stimuli but demonstrating weakness on the left side. A medical diagnosis is presumptive stroke. Two hours later the patient is not awake but is easily aroused, has a blood pressure of 140/70, pulse 52, respirations 18, and the left pupil now reacts more slowly to light than the right pupil. Which complication is likely to have occurred?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The changes in the patient's condition, including decreased level of consciousness, slower reaction in the left pupil, and the increased blood pressure, suggest an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). This can be a dangerous complication of a stroke, as it can lead to further damage to brain tissue and potential brain herniation. Monitoring and management of ICP would be important in this scenario.

A Patient's Initial Assessment Revealed Blood Pressure 128/70, Pulse 68