Which assessment finding is least likely associated with increased intracranial pressure?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is characterized by various clinical signs and symptoms that result from the brain's inability to accommodate the increased fluid volume, leading to potential brain injury and dysfunction. Among the choices provided, hyperactivity is the least likely finding associated with increased ICP.

When ICP rises, the body typically responds with signs that reflect increased stress on neural function. Common assessments include bradycardia, which may occur due to the Cushing reflex, activated as a response to elevated pressures. Slurred speech can indicate neurological impairment, which occurs when areas of the brain responsible for speech are affected by the increased pressure. Nonreactive dilated pupils suggest significant compromise of brainstem function and are a concerning sign in the context of increased ICP.

In contrast, hyperactivity does not align with the typical clinical picture of increased ICP. Patients may exhibit lethargy, confusion, or decreased responsiveness as the brain becomes increasingly compromised, making hyperactivity an unusual and less likely assessment finding. This disconnect highlights the range of brain responses to rising pressure, underlining that energetic behavior is not consistent with neurological distress caused by increased ICP.