Which finding is a sign of increased intracranial pressure (Cushing triad)?

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Multiple Choice

Which finding is a sign of increased intracranial pressure (Cushing triad)?

Elevated intracranial pressure triggers a late autonomic response known as the Cushing triad. The standout finding here is widening pulse pressure. As ICP rises, the body increases systolic pressure in an attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = MAP − ICP). The diastolic pressure rises to a lesser degree, so the gap between systolic and diastolic pressures widens. This widening is accompanied by bradycardia and irregular respirations, completing the triad and signaling brainstem dysfunction. Other options aren’t as characteristic: hyperthermia isn’t a defining sign of increased ICP, hypotension runs contrary to the hypertensive component of the triad, and tachycardia is not part of the Cushing triad (bradycardia is).

Elevated intracranial pressure triggers a late autonomic response known as the Cushing triad. The standout finding here is widening pulse pressure. As ICP rises, the body increases systolic pressure in an attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = MAP − ICP). The diastolic pressure rises to a lesser degree, so the gap between systolic and diastolic pressures widens.

This widening is accompanied by bradycardia and irregular respirations, completing the triad and signaling brainstem dysfunction. Other options aren’t as characteristic: hyperthermia isn’t a defining sign of increased ICP, hypotension runs contrary to the hypertensive component of the triad, and tachycardia is not part of the Cushing triad (bradycardia is).

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