The nurse is caring for a patient with an acute head injury. Which assessment finding would first alert the nurse that the patient is developing an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP)?

A. Widening pulse pressure is a late sign of increased ICP. B. Tachycardia and hypotension are not typical early signs; increased ICP often causes bradycardia and hypertension (Cushing’s triad). C. Altered level of consciousness is usually the earliest and most sensitive indicator of rising ICP. D. Pupils that are sluggishly reactive can occur but usually follow changes in consciousness.