# A nurse cares for a 35-year-old client in the neurocritical care unit with a severe traumatic brain injury and an external ventricular drain (EVD) in place. Which findings indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and require immediate provider notification? Select all that apply.

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> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=366305&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Medical Emergencies  
> category: PA

## Question

A nurse cares for a 35-year-old client in the neurocritical care unit with a severe traumatic brain injury and an external ventricular drain (EVD) in place. Which findings indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and require immediate provider notification? Select all that apply.

1

Bilateral pupils 3 mm equal and reactive to light

2

Decreased level of consciousness with new pupillary asymmetry

3

BP 122/78, HR 76, RR 16, awake and oriented to person, place, and time

4

Cushing triad: BP 188/52 mmHg, HR 48 bpm, irregular respirations

5

Sudden vomiting without nausea and severe headache

## Explanation

Increased ICP signs include the late Cushing triad (widened pulse pressure with hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations), early decline in level of consciousness with pupillary changes, and projectile vomiting without nausea plus severe headache. Stable vitals with full orientation and equal reactive pupils indicate normal neurologic status.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Increased ICP signs early to late: change in LOC, headache, vomiting without nausea, pupil change → Cushing triad (HTN, bradycardia, irregular respirations) is LATE and ominous. Normal ICP <15 mmHg; treatment threshold ICP >22 mmHg. Maintain CPP (MAP - ICP) ≥60-70 mmHg. Avoid hypoxia and hypotension.

Memory Tip
Cushing triad = LATE: HTN + Bradycardia + Irregular RR — herniation risk

KR vs US
Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines (US) and Korean Neurosurgical Society guidelines align: ICP threshold >22, CPP target ≥60, head of bed 30 degrees, mannitol or hypertonic saline for surges, surgical decompression for refractory.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
ICP management bundle:
- HOB 30 degrees with neutral head position to enhance venous drainage
- Avoid hypoxia and hypotension; SpO2 ≥92, SBP ≥100
- Sedation and analgesia to reduce metabolic demand
- Hyperosmolar therapy: mannitol 0.25-1 g/kg or 3 percent saline boluses for ICP surges
- CSF drainage via EVD if available
- Avoid Valsalva: cluster nursing care, stool softeners
- Decompressive craniectomy for refractory

Caution
Cushing triad indicates impending or active brain herniation. Do NOT wait for the full triad to act — change in LOC and pupil change are EARLIER signs that warrant immediate response. Maintain CPP and prepare for emergency intervention.

## Key concepts

- **Cushing triad** — Late sign of severely increased intracranial pressure indicating brainstem compression and impending herniation. Triad: hypertension with widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, irregular respirations. Time-critical — do not wait for full triad to act.
- **Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)** — Pressure driving cerebral blood flow: CPP = MAP - ICP. Target ≥60-70 mmHg in adults with TBI per Brain Trauma Foundation. Below 50 mmHg = ischemia risk; above 90-100 mmHg = ARDS risk. Manage by raising MAP or lowering ICP.
- **External ventricular drain (EVD)** — Catheter placed in the lateral ventricle for ICP monitoring and CSF drainage. Allows accurate ICP measurement and therapeutic CSF removal. Strict sterile technique required; CLABSI is a major risk. Level the transducer to the tragus and zero per protocol.

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