Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What symptom is commonly associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

1. Severe headache

2. Vision changes

3. Confusion

4. Severe hypertension

The correct answer is: Severe headache

A severe headache is a hallmark symptom associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This type of headache is often described as a sudden, intense pain, sometimes likened to "the worst headache of one's life." The sudden onset is attributed to the rapid increase in intracranial pressure and irritation of the meninges resulting from bleeding into the subarachnoid space. In the context of SAH, other symptoms may be present, such as nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, or loss of consciousness, but the severe headache is typically the first and most significant symptom that prompts medical evaluation. Recognizing this symptom is critical, as it can lead to timely interventions that may significantly improve outcomes for patients experiencing this serious condition. While vision changes, confusion, and severe hypertension can occur in various neurological emergencies, they are not specifically or classically associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage to the same extent as the severe headache. These symptoms could point towards other causes or complications but do not provide the same immediate diagnostic hallmark as the severe headache seen in SAH.