What behavior change should a nurse look for in a client post-cerebral aneurysm rupture as a sign of increased intracranial pressure?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) following a cerebral aneurysm rupture can lead to several changes in a patient’s behavior and neurological status. One significant indicator of rising ICP is irritability. When there is elevated pressure within the cranial cavity, it can affect brain function and emotional regulation, causing a patient to exhibit unusual agitation or irritability. This is often due to the brain struggling to cope with the changing environment and possible neural injury, signaling a deteriorating neurological status that requires immediate attention.

In contrast, other behaviors, such as increased lethargy, might indicate a more profound decrease in the level of consciousness rather than a direct response to ICP changes. Improved cognitive function would be contrary to the expected outcomes following an event like a cerebral aneurysm rupture, as such an injury typically results in cognitive decline initially. Decreased appetite can occur for various reasons, such as stress or discomfort, but it is less specific to ICP changes and doesn't directly correlate with the immediate neurological impact of increased pressure. Thus, irritability stands out as a key behavioral change that a nurse should monitor as a potential sign of increasing ICP in a patient following a cerebral aneurysm rupture.