PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What characteristic is often associated with increased intracranial pressure?

1. Decreased heart rate

2. Persistent vomiting

3. Hyperactivity

4. Increased urine output

The correct answer is: Persistent vomiting

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) typically leads to a range of symptoms due to the pressure exerted on the brain and its structures. Persistent vomiting is a common characteristic associated with increased ICP. This occurs because the pressure can irritate the brain's vomiting center in the medulla oblongata. Additionally, elevated ICP can stimulate the vagus nerve, further contributing to the vomiting reflex. The other symptoms, such as decreased heart rate or hyperactivity, are not typical findings when ICP is increased. Decreased heart rate can occur in certain stressful situations but is not a direct symptom of increased intracranial pressure. Hyperactivity tends to be associated with other conditions, rather than increased ICP. Increased urine output is generally not linked to this condition; more commonly, you might observe decreased urine output due to the body’s response to trauma or illness. Therefore, persistent vomiting stands as a key and relevant symptom in the context of increased intracranial pressure.