What late cardiovascular indicators of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) should the nurse monitor for?

Monitoring for late cardiovascular indicators of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is critical in nursing practice, as these indicators can signify that the patient's condition is deteriorating. In the case of rising blood pressure and bradycardia, this combination is often associated with Cushing's triad, which is a classic response to increased ICP.

As ICP rises, the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure, leading to an increase in blood pressure. The bradycardia occurs as a compensatory mechanism due to increased pressure on the brainstem, which affects the autonomic control of heart rate. Thus, this combination of rising blood pressure and bradycardia serves as a late and significant marker of increased ICP, indicating a potentially life-threatening state that requires immediate intervention.

The other options consist of combinations that are not typical indicators of increased ICP. For instance, hypotension and tachycardia might occur in other stress states but do not represent the classic late-stage response to increased ICP. Similarly, hypotension and bradycardia would not typically be seen together in this context, as bradycardia is usually a response to rising pressure rather than lowering perfusion. Overall, the correct answer reflects the physiological changes that highlight a critical phase