Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which symptoms comprise Cushing's triad in a brain injury patient?

1. Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations

2. Tachycardia, hypotension, and shallow breathing

3. Hypotension, rapid pulse, and normal respirations

4. Irregular pulse, increased temperature, and shallow breathing

The correct answer is: Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations

Cushing's triad is a clinical syndrome characterized by three specific signs: hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. This triad typically manifests in patients experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP), often due to a brain injury or other neurological conditions. Hypertension signifies that the body is trying to maintain cerebral perfusion despite elevated intracranial pressure. Bradycardia occurs as a compensatory mechanism; the body responds to high blood pressure and high ICP by decreasing the heart rate. Irregular respirations can reflect brainstem involvement or the body's impaired ability to regulate breathing patterns due to pressure effects on the brain. Understanding Cushing's triad is critical in emergency medical situations because it indicates a potentially life-threatening condition necessitating immediate intervention to alleviate intracranial pressure and protect brain function. Properly identifying these symptoms can prompt swift and appropriate medical responses, improving patient outcomes.