Which finding is associated with Cushing's triad in the presence of increased intracranial pressure?

Which finding is associated with Cushing's triad in the presence of increased intracranial pressure?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Jugular vein distention
• C. Increasing systolic blood pressure
• D. Decreasing systolic blood pressure

Answer: (C)

Cushing's triad is the brain’s compensatory response to rising intracranial pressure: the body increases systemic blood pressure (often with a widened pulse pressure) while the heart rate slows and breathing becomes irregular. The key feature here is an increase in systolic blood pressure, which helps push blood through the compressed brain tissue to maintain cerebral perfusion. The bradycardia and irregular respirations are part of the same reflex, so a rising systolic pressure best fits the triad. Tachycardia would contradict the bradycardia seen in this response, and jugular distention or a decreasing systolic pressure aren’t defining parts of the triad.

Cushing's triad is the brain’s compensatory response to rising intracranial pressure: the body increases systemic blood pressure (often with a widened pulse pressure) while the heart rate slows and breathing becomes irregular. The key feature here is an increase in systolic blood pressure, which helps push blood through the compressed brain tissue to maintain cerebral perfusion. The bradycardia and irregular respirations are part of the same reflex, so a rising systolic pressure best fits the triad. Tachycardia would contradict the bradycardia seen in this response, and jugular distention or a decreasing systolic pressure aren’t defining parts of the triad.