Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

Cushing's Triad is a clinical syndrome that indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a trauma patient. It is characterized by three specific vital sign changes: hypertension (high blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and irregular respirations. This triad is significant because it suggests that the brain is being compromised due to pressure buildup, which can occur from various causes such as head trauma, hemorrhage, or a mass lesion.

When evaluating a trauma patient, recognizing Cushing's Triad is crucial because it points to a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The increase in blood pressure is a compensatory mechanism as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion despite rising ICP. The bradycardia occurs due to increased vagal tone as the body's response to elevated pressure on the brainstem. Irregular respirations can indicate dysfunction in the brain regions that control the respiratory drive.

Understanding Cushing's Triad aids EMTs and healthcare providers in assessing the severity of a traumatic brain injury and in determining the urgency of treatment required, thus playing a vital role in the management of the trauma patient.