What is a common sign of increased intracranial pressure?

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to various physiological changes, and one of the hallmark signs associated with it is abnormal respirations. As ICP rises, it can affect the brain's ability to regulate breathing. This can manifest in several forms of respiratory irregularities, such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration (periodic breathing with cycles of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea) or other patterns of abnormal ventilation.

Moreover, the brain's control centers for respiration may be compromised as pressure builds, leading to potentially significant changes in the rate and rhythm of breathing. Understanding the relationship between elevated ICP and respiratory function is crucial in emergency settings, as it informs the urgency and type of intervention required for the patient.

In contrast, the other options present signs or symptoms that are not as directly associated with ICP. For example, while hypertension can be a response to various stressors or conditions, it's not as characteristic of increased ICP as respiratory abnormalities.