ATI Nursing Care of Children 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in children following a head injury can manifest through various signs and symptoms, which are crucial to recognize for timely intervention.

The signs mentioned in the chosen response indicate common manifestations of elevated ICP. Confusion can occur as the brain becomes less compliant due to rising pressure, leading to altered mental status. Vomiting can also result from increased ICP, particularly if related to irritation of the brain or pressure on the area's involved in the vomiting reflex. This choice captures symptoms that are frequently observed in cases of increased ICP.

Other options present symptoms that may relate to increased ICP but are more definitive or are found in different age groups. For instance, bulging fontanels and a high-pitched cry are more specific to infants, as these signs indicate a problem in the cranial development or pressure in the fontanels that close later in childhood. Delayed pupillary responses and posturing can certainly indicate increased ICP but are typically observed in more severe cases and consciousness alterations, which may not be immediately evident after a head injury.

Nausea and blurred vision are also relevant symptoms but are more nonspecific and can occur for various reasons outside elevated ICP, making them less definitive in identifying increased intracranial pressure in this context