Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of increased intracranial pressure?

Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of increased intracranial pressure?

• A. Severe, persistent headache
• B. Widened pulse pressure
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Nausea/Vomiting

Answer: (C)

Increased intracranial pressure often triggers the brainstem-driven Cushing reflex, where cerebral perfusion pressure is maintained by raising blood pressure while the heart rate slows. This creates a widened pulse pressure and can be accompanied by bradycardia and irregular respirations. Because of that, a fast heart rate is not a typical sign of ICP. Headache, nausea or vomiting, and changes in mental status are common cues of rising ICP, while tachycardia would usually point to other issues or early, non-specific responses rather than the classic ICP pattern.

Increased intracranial pressure often triggers the brainstem-driven Cushing reflex, where cerebral perfusion pressure is maintained by raising blood pressure while the heart rate slows. This creates a widened pulse pressure and can be accompanied by bradycardia and irregular respirations. Because of that, a fast heart rate is not a typical sign of ICP. Headache, nausea or vomiting, and changes in mental status are common cues of rising ICP, while tachycardia would usually point to other issues or early, non-specific responses rather than the classic ICP pattern.