Cushing’s response is often a late finding, so clinicians should not wait for it before responding to neurological deterioration.
3 Increased Intracranial Pressure Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 3 Increased Intracranial Pressure, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
When head elevation is appropriate and not contraindicated, what head alignment may support venous drainage?
In adults, sustained ICP above mm Hg is generally treated as elevated.
What is the full name of the assessment scale abbreviated as GCS?
A patient with a head injury becomes newly restless and difficult to orient. Which interpretation is most appropriate?
- A
The patient is stable unless Cushing’s response is present.
- B
A change in mental status may be an early sign of neurological deterioration.
- C
Equal pupils establish that the patient’s neurological status is stable.
- D
Restlessness is an expected effect that does not require reassessment.
An ICP reading should be interpreted alongside the patient’s examination and clinical context, rather than considered in isolation.
- A
True
- B
False
Select all findings that may indicate worsening intracranial hypertension or impending herniation.
- A
A declining GCS score
- B
New pupil asymmetry or reduced pupil reactivity
- C
Extensor posturing
- D
Hypertension with bradycardia and irregular respirations
- E
Improved alertness with a stable neurological examination
When herniation is suspected, urgent action should not be delayed while waiting for an reading.
A patient with severe traumatic brain injury has a sustained ICP reading of 25 mm Hg. What is the most appropriate response?
- A
Escalate care and follow the prescribed ICP-management protocol.
- B
Ignore the reading if blood pressure is normal.
- C
Routinely hyperventilate the patient for several hours.
- D
Wait for further deterioration before notifying the clinical team.
Which measures may be included in prescribed management for increased ICP? Select all that apply.
- A
Positioning as appropriate and not contraindicated
- B
Cerebrospinal-fluid drainage when available
- C
Ordered hyperosmolar therapy
- D
Routine prolonged hyperventilation without a specific indication
A patient’s consciousness suddenly declines, one pupil becomes enlarged and nonreactive, and the patient develops extensor posturing. What is the priority response?
- A
Reassess in 30 minutes to confirm the change.
- B
Activate the emergency response and rapidly assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation.
- C
Lower the head of the bed and encourage coughing.
- D
Wait for an ICP monitor reading before notifying the clinical team.
A patient shows signs of acute neurological deterioration with suspected increased ICP. Describe four priorities for the immediate response.
True or false: In adults, sustained intracranial pressure above 22 mm Hg is generally treated as elevated, with readings interpreted alongside the patient’s examination and clinical context.
- A
True
- B
False
Which neurological scale is explicitly named for assessing and documenting a patient’s level of consciousness during acute deterioration?
A patient’s level of consciousness suddenly declines. One pupil becomes enlarged and nonreactive, and the patient develops extensor posturing. What is the priority response?
- A
Wait 30 minutes and repeat the examination before taking action.
- B
Treat this as a neurological emergency, activate the emergency response, and support airway and breathing.
- C
Lower the head of the bed and encourage coughing.
- D
Wait for an ICP monitor reading before notifying the clinical team.
Along with hypotension, what oxygenation-related danger should clinicians prevent during acute neurological deterioration?
For a patient with suspected increased ICP, which positioning approach may support venous drainage when it is appropriate and not contraindicated?
- A
Lower the head of the bed and encourage coughing.
- B
Keep the head turned to one side with the bed flat.
- C
Elevate the head and maintain a midline position, when appropriate and not contraindicated.
- D
Avoid positioning changes until an ICP monitor reading is available.
Which option identifies measures that may be included in a prescribed plan to lower ICP?
- A
Consider cerebrospinal-fluid drainage when available or ordered hyperosmolar therapy as part of the prescribed plan.
- B
Use corticosteroids as standard treatment for severe traumatic brain injury.
- C
Routinely hyperventilate the patient for several hours.
- D
Wait for Cushing’s response before starting prescribed treatment.
A clinician is reviewing standard treatment principles for severe traumatic brain injury. Which statement is appropriate?
- A
Give corticosteroids routinely for severe traumatic brain injury.
- B
Ignore sustained ICP elevation when blood pressure is normal.
- C
Delay treatment until Cushing’s response appears.
- D
Do not use corticosteroids as standard treatment for severe traumatic brain injury.
Which statement about managing increased intracranial pressure is correct?
- A
Use corticosteroids as standard treatment for severe traumatic brain injury.
- B
Avoid routine prolonged hyperventilation when managing increased ICP.
- C
Ignore a sustained elevated ICP reading if blood pressure is normal.
- D
Wait for an ICP monitor reading before notifying the provider about neurological deterioration.
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