CJE Medical-Surgical (MS) II Practice Test

Increased intracranial pressure tends to produce signals that reflect pressure on brain structures and impaired cerebral perfusion. The classic signs include a headache from stretched meninges, vomiting from pressure affecting the brain’s vomiting center, and changes in mental status as cerebral function becomes compromised. Pupil reactivity can be altered because higher pressure can compress the oculomotor nerve, leading to sluggish or unequal pupils. Papilledema, swelling of the optic disc seen on exam, occurs when sustained high pressure transmits along the optic nerve sheath. These findings help distinguish ICP elevation from other problems that cause similar symptoms in different body systems. Fever and neck stiffness point more toward meningitis or meningeal irritation. Chest pain with dyspnea suggests a cardiac or pulmonary issue. Abdominal pain radiating to the back points to abdominal or vascular etiologies.