What clinical manifestations should a nurse assess for increasing intracranial pressure in a 2-year-old child with meningitis?

In a 2-year-old child with meningitis, the clinical manifestations of increasing intracranial pressure can be quite specific and should be recognized promptly. The correct answer focuses on symptoms that are classically associated with increased intracranial pressure.

Seizures can occur due to the irritation of the central nervous system and the potential impact of increasing pressure on the brain's structures. Vomiting is particularly relevant in this context, as it may be caused by the increase in pressure leading to nausea or irritation of the vomiting center in the brain. A decreased respiratory rate can also indicate increasing intracranial pressure, as the brainstem, which controls vital functions including respiration, can be affected by swelling or pressure changes.

The other options present symptoms that do not directly correlate with increasing intracranial pressure in the way that seizures, vomiting, and changes in respiratory pattern do. For instance, while skin rash and fatigue can be associated with various infections, they are not specific indicators of increased intracranial pressure. Increased appetite is generally not associated with meningitis or increased intracranial pressure and instead might indicate a more benign condition. Lastly, hypotension and dehydration reflect cardiovascular instability rather than direct signs of rising pressure within the skull.

Hence, the combination of seizures,