The Cushing reflex is characterized by which of the following clinical signs?

The Cushing reflex is characterized by which of the following clinical signs?

• A. Hypertension, tachycardia, hyperventilation
• B. Hypotension, bradycardia, hyperventilation
• C. Hypertension, bradycardia, respiratory depression
• D. Hypotension, tachycardia, respiratory distress

Answer: (C)

The Cushing reflex, also known as Cushing's response, is a physiological response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that typically manifests as a triad of clinical signs. One key characteristic of this reflex is hypertension, which occurs as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion despite rising ICP. Alongside hypertension, bradycardia is also a hallmark sign. The body experiences a reflexive drop in heart rate as a response to the elevated blood pressure, a phenomenon known as baroreceptor-mediated reflex bradycardia. Additionally, respiratory depression can occur as elevated ICP affects the brain's control over respiratory drive. This combined presentation of hypertension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression signals a critical condition necessitating immediate medical intervention. The other options include variations of these signs but do not accurately represent the classic triad associated with the Cushing reflex. It is important to recognize the distinction, as appropriate interventions depend on accurately identifying the clinical signs associated with increased ICP.

The Cushing reflex, also known as Cushing's response, is a physiological response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that typically manifests as a triad of clinical signs. One key characteristic of this reflex is hypertension, which occurs as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion despite rising ICP. Alongside hypertension, bradycardia is also a hallmark sign. The body experiences a reflexive drop in heart rate as a response to the elevated blood pressure, a phenomenon known as baroreceptor-mediated reflex bradycardia.

Additionally, respiratory depression can occur as elevated ICP affects the brain's control over respiratory drive. This combined presentation of hypertension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression signals a critical condition necessitating immediate medical intervention.

The other options include variations of these signs but do not accurately represent the classic triad associated with the Cushing reflex. It is important to recognize the distinction, as appropriate interventions depend on accurately identifying the clinical signs associated with increased ICP.