FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is NOT a sign of increased intracranial pressure?

1. Increased blood pressure

2. Pupil dilation

3. Increased reflexes

4. Loss of consciousness

The correct answer is: Increased reflexes

Increased reflexes are not typically considered a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). When examining the neurological implications of ICP, the body often exhibits signs that indicate pressure and potential damage to brain structures. For instance, increased blood pressure, pupil dilation, and loss of consciousness are all manifestations that can occur due to the stress placed on the brain as ICP rises. Increased blood pressure can be a compensatory mechanism in response to reduced cerebral perfusion, while pupil dilation may suggest pressure on the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) as a result of increased pressure. Loss of consciousness indicates significant alterations in brain function and is often a late-stage sign of elevated ICP. In contrast, increased reflexes generally point to intact or heightened neural function rather than damage which would be more characteristic of rising ICP. Therefore, while monitoring a patient for signs of ICP, one would not expect to see increased reflexes as a common indicator.