MEDizzy - A client had a craniotomy for the excision of a brain tumor.

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Neuromusculoskeletal System

A client had a craniotomy for the excision of a brain tumor. After surgery, the nurse monitors the client for increased intracranial pressure. Which clinical finding supports an increase in intracranial pressure?

ExplanationD. An increase in intracranial pressure causes impaired cerebral blood flow affecting the cells of the cerebral cortex and the reticular activating system (area that helps maintain wakefulness), which result in a decreased level of consciousness. A. As the intracranial pressure increases, it places pressure on the thalamus, hypothalamus, pons, and medulla, resulting in a full, bounding, slow pulse. B A widening pulse pressure occurs due to an increase in the systolic pressure. C. As the intracranial pressure increases, it places pressure on the thalamus, hypothalamus, pons, and medulla, resulting in irregular respirations that progress to deep, rapid breathing alternating with periods of apnea (Cheyne-Stokes respirations).