,NSG 3280 Exam 3 – Pathophysiology (2026)
| Galen College of Nursing | Complete
Exam Questions & Verified Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Latest Study Guide |
A+ Graded
Q1. What assessment finding is the earliest
indicator of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) in
a client with acute brain injury?
A) Fixed dilated pupils
B) Change in level of consciousness
C) Cushing triad
D) Decerebrate posturing
Correct Answer: B. Change in level of
consciousness
Rationale: A change in level of consciousness (LOC)
is typically the first sign of rising ICP because
cerebral perfusion and reticular activating system
,function are affected early. Late findings such as
fixed pupils (A) and posturing (D) suggest worsening
brain compression and herniation.
Q2. A client with suspected increased ICP develops
headache, vomiting, and blurred vision. How should
the nurse interpret these findings?
A) They are late signs of brain herniation
B) They are initial manifestations of increased ICP
C) They indicate spinal cord injury
D) They suggest seizure activity only
Correct Answer: B. They are initial manifestations
of increased ICP
Rationale: Headache, vomiting, and blurred vision
are early manifestations of increased ICP.
Recognizing these early signs supports rapid
intervention before late neurologic deterioration
occurs.
, Q3. The nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic
brain injury. Which assessment finding indicates
Cushing's triad?
A) Hypotension, bradycardia, irregular respirations
B) Hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations
C) Hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea
D) Hypertension, tachycardia, bradypnea
Correct Answer: B. Hypertension, bradycardia,
irregular respirations
Rationale: Cushing's triad—hypertension,
bradycardia, and irregular respirations—is a late,
ominous sign of increased ICP and impending brain
herniation. This reflex occurs when the brainstem is
compressed.
| Galen College of Nursing | Complete
Exam Questions & Verified Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Latest Study Guide |
A+ Graded
Q1. What assessment finding is the earliest
indicator of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) in
a client with acute brain injury?
A) Fixed dilated pupils
B) Change in level of consciousness
C) Cushing triad
D) Decerebrate posturing
Correct Answer: B. Change in level of
consciousness
Rationale: A change in level of consciousness (LOC)
is typically the first sign of rising ICP because
cerebral perfusion and reticular activating system
,function are affected early. Late findings such as
fixed pupils (A) and posturing (D) suggest worsening
brain compression and herniation.
Q2. A client with suspected increased ICP develops
headache, vomiting, and blurred vision. How should
the nurse interpret these findings?
A) They are late signs of brain herniation
B) They are initial manifestations of increased ICP
C) They indicate spinal cord injury
D) They suggest seizure activity only
Correct Answer: B. They are initial manifestations
of increased ICP
Rationale: Headache, vomiting, and blurred vision
are early manifestations of increased ICP.
Recognizing these early signs supports rapid
intervention before late neurologic deterioration
occurs.
, Q3. The nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic
brain injury. Which assessment finding indicates
Cushing's triad?
A) Hypotension, bradycardia, irregular respirations
B) Hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations
C) Hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea
D) Hypertension, tachycardia, bradypnea
Correct Answer: B. Hypertension, bradycardia,
irregular respirations
Rationale: Cushing's triad—hypertension,
bradycardia, and irregular respirations—is a late,
ominous sign of increased ICP and impending brain
herniation. This reflex occurs when the brainstem is
compressed.
