What symptom would not be expected if a patient has an elevated head position following a closed head injury?

In the context of managing a patient with a closed head injury, maintaining an elevated head position is a standard practice aimed at promoting optimal cerebral perfusion and reducing intracranial pressure. Among the symptoms listed, an increase in heart rate would not be expected because maintaining an elevated head position is generally associated with stabilizing vital signs and improving overall physiological function.

When the head is elevated, it can help enhance venous drainage from the brain, potentially leading to a reduction in intracranial pressure. This improved hemodynamics can contribute to better oxygenation and lung mechanics, thus potentially improving respiratory function as well.

As for drowsiness, while it can occur as a symptom of head injury, it's important to monitor neurological status closely, as changes in consciousness can indicate worsening conditions. However, maintaining proper head positioning is aimed at minimizing complications associated with increased pressure, which should ideally not exacerbate the patient’s level of alertness or lead to an increase in heart rate during stable management. Thus, an increase in heart rate would not be a typical response expected from the actions taken to care for a patient with a closed head injury.