NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is a key characteristic of patients with increased intracranial pressure?

1. Decreased heart rate

2. Irregular respiratory patterns

3. Increased alertness

4. Stable vital signs

The correct answer is: Irregular respiratory patterns

A key characteristic of patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is irregular respiratory patterns. As intracranial pressure rises, it can affect the normal respiratory control centers located in the brain. This can lead to various abnormal respiratory patterns, such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration or other forms of irregular or abnormal breathing due to the brain's response to increased pressure and potential damage to the brainstem. Increased ICP can result from various conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage, tumors, or infections, which can compromise brain function and stability. This instability often manifests through irregularities in breathing, which is a critical sign for medical personnel to observe during assessment. While decreased heart rate may occur in some cases due to the Cushing reflex, it is not universally present in all patients with increased ICP. Increased alertness is generally not indicative of increased ICP, as cognitive function is typically impaired, and stable vital signs do not align with the typical physiological response seen in such scenarios. Therefore, recognizing irregular respiratory patterns can be essential for early identification and management of increased intracranial pressure.