Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

1. Headache

2. Vertigo

3. Nausea

4. Seizures

The correct answer is: Vertigo

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) typically presents with a range of symptoms due to the pressure exerted on the brain and surrounding structures. A common symptom of increased ICP is a headache, which occurs as a result of the stretching and pressure on pain-sensitive structures within the skull. Nausea can also be a symptom, as raised ICP may stimulate the vomiting center in the brain due to pressure changes or irritation. Seizures can occur as well, as they may be triggered by the disturbances in normal brain activity caused by elevated pressure. Vertigo, however, is not typically associated with increased ICP. While vertigo relates to a disturbance in the balance and spatial orientation systems primarily governed by the vestibular system, ICP mainly affects the cerebral structures and leads to different symptomatology. Therefore, vertigo is not considered a classic symptom and is often related to other conditions affecting the inner ear or the central nervous system itself, rather than being a direct consequence of increased ICP.