Cushing's Triad

Question 1

typically with what condition do we see cushing’s triad in?

Answer 1

increased intracranial pressure

Question 2

what is the patho behind why patients can develop the deadly cushing’s triad?

Answer 2

think of how all this pressure is being placed onto the brain

Question 3

what are the 4 signs and symptoms of cushing’s triad?

Answer 3

wide pulse pressure
hypertension
bradycardia
decreased respirations

Question 4

in what stage of increased intracranial pressure would we find patients to develop cushing triad?

remember there are 4

Answer 4

stage 3, the failure to compenstation and the clinical manifestations of an increased ICP start to show

Question 5

what are the 4 stages of increased intracranial pressure that a patient can end up going through

Answer 5

1. total compensation
   ( accommodation and autoregulation )
2. decreased compensation
   ( risk for developing increased icp)
3. failing to compenstate
   ( cushing triad develops )
4. herniation imminent
   ( death )

Question 6

what are nursing interventions to manage cushing’s triad?

• what type of envrioement
• what type of position
• what medications

Answer 6

calm enviroment
elevate head of the bed
administer osmotic medications

Question 7

why do we want to keep the head of the bed elevated at 30-35 degrees when a patient is having increased intracranial pressure?

Answer 7

to aids with the promotion of venous drainage from the head and reduce ICP