A nurse is gathering neurological data on a patient with a neurological injury and observes signs indicative of Cushing’s Triad.
The nurse understands that Cushing’s Triad is a nervous system response that could prevent which of the following conditions?
Brainstem ischemia
Tachycardia
Agonal breathing
Chest pain
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Cushing’s Triad, which includes bradycardia (low heart rate), irregular respiration, and widened pulse pressure, is a nervous system response that could prevent brainstem ischemia. Brainstem ischemia is a condition where there is insufficient blood flow to the brainstem, which can lead to cell death.
Choice B rationale
While tachycardia (high heart rate) is a serious condition, it is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad.
Choice C rationale
Agonal breathing, which is characterized by gasping, labored breathing, particularly when lying flat, is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad.
Choice D rationale
Chest pain is not typically prevented by Cushing’s Triad. Cushing’s Triad is a response to increased intracranial pressure, not a cardiac condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring volume status is important in managing increased ICP, but it is not a direct intervention to reduce ICP78.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring proper ventriculostomy transducer levels is important in monitoring ICP, but it is not a direct intervention to reduce ICP78.
Choice C rationale
Managing sedation can help control agitation and excessive muscular activity, which can potentially increase ICP. However, it is not a direct intervention to reduce ICP78.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the head of the bed 15 degrees can help promote venous drainage, enhance cerebral perfusion, and reduce ICP78.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Regulation of the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled can affect cerebral blood flow, but it does not directly maintain cerebral perfusion pressure constant.
Choice B rationale
Catecholamines circulating throughout the body can affect blood pressure and heart rate, but they do not directly maintain cerebral perfusion pressure constant.
Choice C rationale
How much blood is pumped from the heart, also known as cardiac output, can affect cerebral perfusion pressure. However, it does not directly maintain cerebral perfusion pressure constant.
Choice D rationale
Regulation of constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain, also known as cerebral autoregulation, is a key mechanism that maintains cerebral perfusion pressure constant. When pressure autoregulation is impaired, cerebral blood flow becomes dependent on cerebral perfusion pressure.
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