Free BCEN Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Practice Question

The most likely cause of the patient's sudden unresponsiveness and unequal, unreactive pupils is increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to the cranial tumor. Space-occupying lesions like tumors can lead to significant shifts in brain structure, causing increased ICP, which, in turn, can lead to herniation and neurological deterioration. Tumors, bleeding, and abscesses can rapidly alter intracranial dynamics, necessitating swift intervention to prevent permanent damage or death. Conditions such as a stroke, electrolyte imbalance, or seizure are also critical but are less associated with the described symptoms of unequal and unreactive pupils.