Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test 2026 – All-In-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

In cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome, increased intracranial pressure often manifests through a range of clinical signs, and unexplained vomiting combined with lethargy is particularly indicative of this condition. When intracranial pressure rises, it can affect the brain's functioning, leading to altered levels of consciousness, irritability, and changes in behavior such as lethargy. Vomiting may occur as a result of increased pressure on the brain structures that regulate these functions. Therefore, when a child presents with these symptoms, it may suggest significant and potentially life-threatening issues related to intracranial pressure.

The other choices do not typically correlate with increased intracranial pressure in this context. For instance, decreased heart rate is not a common presentation in the case of increased intracranial pressure, as it may instead lead to a variety of cardiovascular responses. Frequent urination and rapid weight gain are generally unrelated to the acute manifestations of increased intracranial pressure, making them less relevant when considering the signs and symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome.