Neurological Assessment and Critical Care Unit 6 Neuro Exam: In-Depth
Exploration of Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Norms, Cerebral Perfusion Pressure
(CPP) Calculations and Implications, Clinical Manifestations of Increased ICP,
Cushing's Triad Identification, Posturing Analysis (Decorticate vs. Decerebrate),
Autoregulation Mechanisms, Neurological Vital Sign Monitoring, Pupillary and
Vision Changes, Motor Function Evaluation, Systolic Hypertension and Pulse
Pressure Variations, Bradycardia Assessment, Respiratory Patterns, and
Advanced Critical Care Interventions Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the normal range for ICP?
5-15mmHg
What happens when cerebral perfusion pressure decreases?
Autoregulation fails and blood flow to the brain decreases
What is the normal cerebral perfusion pressure? How do you calculate it?
60-100mmHg
CPP = MAP - ICP
What are the clinical manifestations of an increased ICP?
-Change in level of consciousness
-Cushing's triad
,-Pupillary changes, blurred vision, diplopia, papilledema (edematous optic disc)
-Decrease in motor function
What is Cushing's triad?
»Systolic hypertension with widening pulse pressure
»Bradycardia with a full bounding pulse
»Irregular respirations
Which posturing is more serious, decorticate or decerebrate?
Decerebrate is more serious
Describe decorticate posturing
Decorticate (mid brain) posturing (abnormal flexion of the upper extremities and extension of
lower extremities)
Describe decerebrate posturing
Decerebrate (brain stem) posturing (extreme extension of upper and lower extremities)
What are potential complications of increased ICP?
, Inadequate perfusion, cerebral edema, DI, SIADH
What are the diagnostics for increased ICP?
CT, MRI
What is contraindicated in patients with an increased ICP?
Lumbar puncture is contraindicated
What is brain tissue oxygenation measurement (LICOX catheter)?
»Placed in healthy white matter
»Measures brain oxygenation, temperature and assess perfusion
What is a ventriculostomy?
-Ventriculostomy (ventricular catheter monitoring device) also called EVD (external ventricular
drain)
-Inserted into ventricle
-Continuous ICP monitoring
-Allows CSF to drain
What are the complications of ventriculostomy?
Infection, meningitis, and ventricular collapse
Exploration of Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Norms, Cerebral Perfusion Pressure
(CPP) Calculations and Implications, Clinical Manifestations of Increased ICP,
Cushing's Triad Identification, Posturing Analysis (Decorticate vs. Decerebrate),
Autoregulation Mechanisms, Neurological Vital Sign Monitoring, Pupillary and
Vision Changes, Motor Function Evaluation, Systolic Hypertension and Pulse
Pressure Variations, Bradycardia Assessment, Respiratory Patterns, and
Advanced Critical Care Interventions Exam Questions Verified and Provided with
Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is the normal range for ICP?
5-15mmHg
What happens when cerebral perfusion pressure decreases?
Autoregulation fails and blood flow to the brain decreases
What is the normal cerebral perfusion pressure? How do you calculate it?
60-100mmHg
CPP = MAP - ICP
What are the clinical manifestations of an increased ICP?
-Change in level of consciousness
-Cushing's triad
,-Pupillary changes, blurred vision, diplopia, papilledema (edematous optic disc)
-Decrease in motor function
What is Cushing's triad?
»Systolic hypertension with widening pulse pressure
»Bradycardia with a full bounding pulse
»Irregular respirations
Which posturing is more serious, decorticate or decerebrate?
Decerebrate is more serious
Describe decorticate posturing
Decorticate (mid brain) posturing (abnormal flexion of the upper extremities and extension of
lower extremities)
Describe decerebrate posturing
Decerebrate (brain stem) posturing (extreme extension of upper and lower extremities)
What are potential complications of increased ICP?
, Inadequate perfusion, cerebral edema, DI, SIADH
What are the diagnostics for increased ICP?
CT, MRI
What is contraindicated in patients with an increased ICP?
Lumbar puncture is contraindicated
What is brain tissue oxygenation measurement (LICOX catheter)?
»Placed in healthy white matter
»Measures brain oxygenation, temperature and assess perfusion
What is a ventriculostomy?
-Ventriculostomy (ventricular catheter monitoring device) also called EVD (external ventricular
drain)
-Inserted into ventricle
-Continuous ICP monitoring
-Allows CSF to drain
What are the complications of ventriculostomy?
Infection, meningitis, and ventricular collapse
