Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is a typical sign of hypoxia or increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

1. Bradycardia

2. Headache

3. Dry skin

4. Hypotension

The correct answer is: Headache

A headache is a typical sign of both hypoxia and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In cases of hypoxia, the brain may not receive adequate oxygen, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms, including a dull or throbbing headache. This is due to the brain’s response to decreased oxygenation, which can stimulate pain receptors or increase intracranial pressure from associated conditions. When ICP increases, one of the body's responses can be the development of a headache. This is often due to the stretching of pain-sensitive structures within the cranial cavity as the pressure builds. In particular, tension on the dura mater, vascular engorgement, and irritation of the cranial nerves can all lead to sensations of headache. The other options—bradycardia, dry skin, and hypotension—while they can occur in specific clinical contexts, are not as directly indicative of either hypoxia or ICP as a headache is. Bradycardia can occur as a compensatory mechanism in varying circumstances, and it might be seen in ICP, but is not as consistent a symptom. Dry skin typically reflects issues related to hydration or circulation, not directly linked with hypoxia or ICP. Hypotension can occur due to numerous causes and is less specific