Cushing's triad includes which components?

• A. Bradycardia, slowed RR, widened pulse pressure
• B. Tachycardia, tachypnea, narrowed pulse pressure
• C. Hypertension with tachycardia and decreased RR
• D. Hypotension, normal RR

Answer: (A)

Cushing's triad signals rising intracranial pressure and includes three hallmark signs: a hypertensive state with widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and an irregular or slowed breathing pattern. As ICP climbs, the body raises systemic blood pressure to preserve cerebral perfusion, which widens the pulse pressure and triggers a reflex slowing of the heart rate. Brainstem compression then disrupts the respiratory centers, leading to hypoventilation or irregular respirations. So the combination of bradycardia, slowed respiration, and widened pulse pressure fits the triad best. The other options don’t reflect this pattern: they describe tachycardia or normal/narrowed pulse pressures or inappropriate respiratory patterns that aren’t characteristic of Cushing’s response.