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CIEMT Trauma And Assessment Practice Exam

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Which term refers to the combination of hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations indicating increased intracranial pressure?
Correct Answer:
Cushing Triad
Explanation:
When intracranial pressure rises, the body responds to preserve blood flow to the brain by increasing systemic blood pressure while the heart rate slows. This hypertensive state with bradycardia is paired with disruption of brainstem respiratory centers, leading to irregular breathing. Together, these signs form the Cushing triad: hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. It is a late, ominous sign of increased ICP and possible impending herniation. Other terms describe specific breathing patterns or facial signs (for example, Cheyne-Stokes breathing or raccoon eyes) but do not capture the full triad associated with elevated ICP.

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