Which of the following is a sign or symptom of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can manifest through various signs and symptoms due to the pressure exerted on brain structures and blood flow. One key indicator associated with increased ICP is hypercapnia, which refers to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream. This condition occurs because high intracranial pressure can lead to impaired respiratory function, resulting in inadequate ventilation and subsequent accumulation of CO2.

When ICP is elevated, the brain may respond by attempting to regulate cerebral blood flow, which can include changes in ventilation patterns. Hypercapnia is detrimental because it leads to vasodilation of cerebral vessels, potentially exacerbating swelling and further increasing ICP. Recognizing hypercapnia as a consequence of increased ICP is critical for timely intervention and treatment.

The other options do not directly correlate with the physiological changes associated with elevated ICP. For instance, hypertension might occur due to a range of responses in the body, but it is not a specific sign of increased ICP. Hypotension typically reflects volume depletion or shock states, neither of which are characteristic of increased ICP. Bradycardia, while it can be associated with increased ICP in certain contexts (like the Cushing's reflex), is more indicative of a late, compensatory response rather