A child with a head injury is at risk for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which change in status would alert the nurse to believe an increase in ICP has occurred?

A. Confusion and altered mental status can be signs of increased ICP, but these symptoms are not specific. Confusion or altered consciousness may also be observed in other conditions, so this alone may not definitively indicate increased ICP. B. Increased diastolic pressure with narrowing pulse pressure is a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure and is a key component of Cushing's triad. This triad, which also includes bradycardia and irregular respirations, is a critical indicator of impending brain herniation and requires immediate intervention. C. Irregular, rapid heartbeat is not a direct sign of increased ICP. While heart rate changes can occur with changes in ICP, they are usually seen as part of Cushing’s triad and would typically present with bradycardia, not rapid heartbeat. D. Rapid, shallow breathing can occur in response to other conditions, but it is not the most specific or early sign of increased ICP. Changes in the respiratory pattern with increased ICP often involve more distinct alterations like Cheyne-Stokes or irregular breathing patterns.