Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
The nurse is implementing interventions for the client who has increased ICP. The nurse knows that which result will occur if the increased ICP is left untreated?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
If untreated, increased ICP causes a shift in brain tissue and can result in irreversible brain damage and possibly death. ICP compresses structures within the cranium and leads to a decrease in cerebral perfusion, not increased perfusion. ICP compresses structures within the cranium and leads to acidosis; the pH level is decreased in acidosis. Leakage of CSF could occur if there were an opening in the subarachnoid space that could occur with trauma, but there is no indication that the increased ICP is due to trauma.