Which assessment findings would lead the nurse to suspect that a newborn with a spinal cord lesion has increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Irritability in a newborn with a spinal cord lesion may suggest increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In infants, the presence of irritability can indicate discomfort or an adverse reaction to intracranial pressure that may be affecting their neurological status. When the brain is under pressure due to conditions such as hydrocephalus, infections, or lesions, it can lead to various neurological symptoms, one of which is increased sensitivity or irritability.

This behavior is often accompanied by other signs of increased ICP, such as changes in consciousness, which might manifest as excessive drowsiness or altered feeding patterns. However, irritability is particularly notable because it represents a change from the newborn's typical behavior, highlighting a nervous system that is responding to the stress of elevated pressure.

In contrast, sluggish reflexes, decreased muscle tone, and excessive drowsiness may not directly indicate increased ICP as clearly as irritability does. While these symptoms can also be associated with neurological issues, they may not specifically reflect the irritable state caused by increased pressure, making irritability a more significant indicator in this context.