North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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What is a possible consequence of sustained increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Hypertension
Bradycardia
Irregular heart rhythm
Hypoventilation

The correct answer is: Hypertension

Sustained increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to significant changes in vital signs and bodily functions. One of the notable consequences is hypertension. As ICP rises, the body responds to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion pressure, which is the difference between the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the ICP. If ICP is elevated, the body may increase arterial blood pressure to maintain blood flow to the brain, resulting in hypertension. This physiological response is a critical mechanism that aims to protect brain function in the face of increasing pressure within the skull. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure in patients suspected to have elevated ICP is essential, as it can indicate worsening neurological status or the need for intervention. While other options may be related to different physiological changes or conditions, they do not directly stem from sustained increased ICP in the same way hypertension does. Hyperventilation and bradycardia, for instance, are more commonly associated with the Cushing's Reflex, which involves bradycardia and hypertension occurring simultaneously, but the primary direct response to sustained high ICP is an increase in blood pressure.