What is a common symptom that nurses might assess in a client experiencing increased intracranial pressure?

Drowsiness and confusion are common symptoms associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This occurs because increased pressure within the skull can compress brain tissues and disrupt normal brain function. As the brain struggles with this pressure, it can lead to altered levels of consciousness, including drowsiness, confusion, or even more severe cognitive impairments.

The clinical significance lies in the brain's response to the increased pressure. As it affects the areas responsible for awareness and responsiveness, nurses often monitor changes in a patient's mental status as a critical indicator of changing ICP. Recognizing these signs is vital, as they may suggest that the situation is worsening and prompt further assessment or intervention.