A patient presents with increased intracranial pressure, papilledema, and headache. There is no history of trauma. Vital signs are BP of 120/70 mmHg, HR 90 bpm, Temp 98.9˚ F, Respirations 20 bpm. Given these assessment findings, the nurse thinks the patient may have

Explanation

• Assessment findings for a patient with a brain tumor include headache that becomes worse in the morning, including straining and stooping, vomiting, papilledema, seizures, changes in mental status, and altered vision. Other symptoms/deficits may be present that are associated with the location of the tumor in the brain.  

• Incorrect: A patient with meningitis would have fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, Kernig's signs, and Brudzinski's signs.

Incorect: There can be no skull fracture since there was no history of head trauma.

• Incorrect: A patient with encephalitis would manifest headache, fever, vomiting, and meningeal signs due the inflammation of the brain caused by a virus.

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