Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
Which of the following respiratory patterns indicates increasing intracranial pressure in the brain stem?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Slow, irregular respirations (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes or ataxic breathing) are indicative of brain stem dysfunction due to increasing intracranial pressure. Rapid, shallow respirations may indicate hypoxia, asymmetric chest excursion suggests mechanical issues, and nasal flaring is associated with respiratory distress, not specifically ICP.