Cushing's triad consists of which three findings?

• A. Hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations
• B. Hypotension, tachycardia, and regular respirations
• C. Hypertension, tachycardia, and regular respirations
• D. Hypertension, bradycardia, and regular respirations

Answer: (A)

Cushing's triad signals a dangerous rise in intracranial pressure and brainstem involvement. The three findings are hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. Hypertension occurs as the body attempts to preserve cerebral perfusion when ICP climbs. The elevated pressure then triggers a reflex bradycardia via the baroreceptors. Irregular respirations arise from disruption of brainstem respiratory centers due to the pressure, producing patterns such as irregular, slowed, or changing breathing. This triad is a late sign and prompts urgent evaluation and interventions to lower ICP. The other described patterns don’t fit because they lack the characteristic combination of high blood pressure with slow heart rate and abnormal breathing—features that point to this intracranial emergency.