North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What are common signs/symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

1. Increased pulse rate, increased respiration, hypertension

2. Decreased pulse (Bradycardia), increased blood pressure (Hypertension), irregular respirations

3. Normal pulse, normal blood pressure, clear respiration

4. Increased pulse (Tachycardia), decreased blood pressure, normal respiration

The correct answer is: Decreased pulse (Bradycardia), increased blood pressure (Hypertension), irregular respirations

The correct response identifies classic signs and symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). As ICP rises, the body exhibits compensatory mechanisms that can lead to distinctive cardiovascular and respiratory responses. Decreased pulse rate, or bradycardia, is often observed with elevated ICP. This occurs due to increased pressure on the brain, particularly affecting the brainstem, which controls heart rate. The body's response may involve a slowing of the heart rate to maintain cerebral perfusion despite the increased pressure. Hypertension, or increased blood pressure, is another common finding. The body attempts to ensure adequate blood flow to the brain even as ICP rises, which can lead to this increase in systolic blood pressure. This phenomenon is often described as Cushing's triad, which includes hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular or abnormal respirations. Irregular respirations occur because the brainstem is affected, leading to compromised control of the respiratory function. This can manifest in a variety of abnormal breathing patterns as the body struggles to maintain adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination in the face of pressure changes. In summary, the combination of bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations are indicative of increased intracranial pressure, reflecting the body's physiological response to