FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

Which of the following is characteristic of Cushing's triad?

1. Irregular respirations

2. Shortened femur

3. Bony swellings in fingers

4. Positive Phalen's test

The correct answer is: Irregular respirations

Cushing's triad is a clinical syndrome that indicates increased intracranial pressure and is characterized by a specific set of symptoms. The correct and characteristic choice is irregular respirations, which can manifest as Cheyne-Stokes respirations or other abnormal breathing patterns. These irregularities in respiration occur due to the brain's response to pressure, which affects the respiratory centers located in the brainstem. The presence of irregular respirations serves as a critical warning sign of potential brain herniation or severe neurological compromise, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this phenomenon in the clinical assessment of patients with suspected intracranial pressure issues. The other responses are not associated with Cushing's triad. A shortened femur relates to orthopedic conditions, bony swellings in fingers may indicate arthritis or other systemic diseases, and a positive Phalen's test is utilized in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. None of these conditions connect with the vital signs and symptoms that define Cushing’s triad, thereby reinforcing the significance of irregular respirations in this context.