Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

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Enhance your knowledge with the Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Exam. Study using multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for the exam!

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What are the signs of Cushing's triad associated with increasing intracranial pressure?

  1. Lowered systolic blood pressure, decreased heart rate, lowered pulse pressure

  2. Lowered systolic blood pressure, increased heart rate, lowered pulse pressure

  3. Elevated systolic blood pressure, decreased heart rate, widened pulse pressure

  4. Elevated systolic blood pressure, increased heart rate, widened pulse pressure

The correct answer is: Elevated systolic blood pressure, decreased heart rate, widened pulse pressure

Cushing's triad is a clinical syndrome characterized by specific vital sign changes that indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP). This triad includes elevated systolic blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and widened pulse pressure. The presence of these signs reflects the body’s response to increased ICP as it attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion. Elevated systolic blood pressure occurs as a compensatory mechanism to overcome the increased pressure in the cranial cavity, ensuring adequate blood flow to the brain. Decreased heart rate can be attributed to the body's reflex response to high blood pressure, mediated by the brainstem, which triggers a vagal response that lowers the heart rate. Widened pulse pressure is defined as the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures and indicates a significant discrepancy between these values, commonly seen when there is disturbed regulation of vascular tone due to increased ICP. Understanding these vital sign changes is crucial in the assessment and management of patients with potential neurological compromises, as recognizing Cushing's triad early can lead to timely interventions. The other options do not accurately represent the combination of signs seen in Cushing's triad, as they either include incorrect blood pressure responses or inappropriate heart rate responses.