What does the triad of bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations indicate in a head-injured patient?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Cushing's triad indicating raised intracranial pressure and herniation risk
The triad is hallmark for increased ICP and possible brain herniation.
Practice all 18 Trauma Nursing: Head and Spinal Cord Injury questions
Keep practicing
More Trauma Nursing: Head and Spinal Cord Injury questions
- What respiratory change can be anticipated in a patient with a spinal cord injury at level C4?
- What presentation characterizes neurogenic shock in the acute phase of spinal cord injury?
- Why is monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) recommended for head-injured patients?
- Why is elevating the head of the bed to 20-30° recommended for head-injured patients?
- Which nursing intervention is essential for a patient with high-level spinal cord injury to prevent respiratory complications?
- What target range should the nurse set the ventilator to maintain PaCO₂ for a head-injured patient with a GCS of 6?