Question

A nurse is assessing a client who has a head injury following a motor crash. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates increasing intracranial pressure?

A) Slurred speech
B) Clear and equal drainage from both nares
C) A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15
D) A decrease in systolic blood pressure

Answer 1

Slurred speech may indicate increasing intracranial pressure in a patient with a head injury from a motor crash, which is a sign of potential brain function alteration due to elevated pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with a head injury following a motor crash should identify that slurred speech may indicate increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). This is because slurred speech can be a sign of altered brain function due to elevated pressure within the skull. Normal pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain ranges from 5 to 12 mm Hg. However, increased ICP can lead to constricted blood flow and neurological symptoms. Other potential signs of increased ICP can include symptoms such as changes in consciousness, pupillary changes, or abnormal posturing. These symptoms necessitate immediate medical evaluation and intervention to prevent serious damage and preserve neurological function.