CVS Practice Test

Cushing's triad is a clinical syndrome that indicates increased intracranial pressure, often associated with conditions like traumatic brain injury or brain tumors. The three classic signs of this triad are bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations.

Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, which occurs as a compensatory response to elevated intracranial pressure. Hypertension is the elevated blood pressure that often accompanies the increased pressure within the skull. Irregular respirations, also known as abnormal breathing patterns, can manifest as Cheyne-Stokes respirations or other forms of disorganized breathing when the brain is under significant stress.

These signs together help clinicians identify potential life-threatening conditions related to the brain and prompt them to take appropriate interventions. Recognizing Cushing's triad is essential in emergency settings as it signals the need for immediate attention and potential treatment for elevated intracranial pressure.

The other options provide combinations of signs that do not align with Cushing's triad, missing one or more key components that are critical for the proper identification of this condition.