Question

nurse is monitoring a client who has a leaking cerebral aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should indicate to the nurse the client is experiencing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)? (Select all that apply.)

Question 9 options:

	Headache
	Neck pain and stiffness
	Slurred speech
	Pupillary changes
	Disorientation

Answer 1

A cerebral aneurysm (also known as an intracranial or an intracerebral aneurysm) is a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain that bulges out and fills with blood. A bulging aneurysm can put pressure on a nerve or surrounding brain tissue. It may also leak or rupture, spilling blood into the surrounding tissue (called a haemorrhage). Some cerebral aneurysms, particularly those that are very small, do not bleed or cause other problems.
Most cerebral aneurysms do not show symptoms until they either become very large or burst. Small, unchanging aneurysms generally will not produce symptoms.

Whereas, a larger aneurysm that is steadily growing may press on tissues and nerves. Symptoms may include pain above and behind the eye; numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the face; dilated pupils; and vision changes. When an aneurysm haemorrhages, an individual may experience a sudden and extremely severe headache, double vision, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck or loss of consciousness. Other signs that a cerebral aneurysm has burst include nausea and vomiting associated with a severe headache, a drooping eyelid, sensitivity to light, and change in mental status or level of awareness. Some individuals may have seizures. Individuals may lose consciousness briefly or go into a prolonged coma.
so a nurse should keep in mind the symptoms like,

• headache
• neck pain and stiffness
• pupillary changes (vision changes)
• disorientation