Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

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Which of the following sets of vital signs is MOST suggestive of increased intracranial pressure in a patient who has experienced a traumatic brain injury?

BP, 160/72 mm Hg; pulse, 100 beats/min; respirations, 12 breaths/min
BP, 176/98 mm Hg; pulse, 50 beats/min; respirations, 10 breaths/min
BP, 84/42 mm Hg; pulse, 60 beats/min; respirations, 32 breaths/min
BP, 92/60 mm Hg; pulse, 120 beats/min; respirations, 24 breaths/min

The correct answer is: BP, 176/98 mm Hg; pulse, 50 beats/min; respirations, 10 breaths/min

An increased intracranial pressure (ICP) following a traumatic brain injury can lead to changes in vital signs. In this scenario, the set of vital signs provided in option B (BP, 176/98 mm Hg; pulse, 50 beats/min; respirations, 10 breaths/min) is most suggestive of increased intracranial pressure. Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) can be a compensatory mechanism in response to increased ICP. Additionally, bradycardia (low heart rate) and irregular breathing patterns, like bradypnea (slow breathing rate), are signs of Cushing's triad, which is indicative of increased intracranial pressure. This combination of vital signs (elevated BP, bradycardia, and bradypnea) is concerning for increased ICP in a patient with a traumatic brain injury. In comparison, the other options do not present a combination of vital signs that align with the classic findings associated with increased ICP seen in option B.