ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions Correct Answers Related

Review ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions Correct Answers related questions and content

A nurse is monitoring a client who has a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of Cushing's triad?

  • A. Increase in blood pressure from 130/80 mm Hg to 180/100 mm Hg
  • B. Decrease in heart rate to 120 bpm
  • C. Rapid
  • D. shallow respirations
  • E. Hypotension
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Cushing's triad consists of hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. In a client with a traumatic brain injury, increased intracranial pressure can lead to Cushing's triad due to brainstem compression. Option A reflects an increase in blood pressure, which is a key component of Cushing's triad. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the expected findings of Cushing's triad. Choice B indicates a decrease in heart rate, which is contrary to the bradycardia seen in Cushing's triad. Choice C mentions rapid respirations, whereas irregular or shallow respirations are more characteristic. Choice E mentions hypotension, which is not part of Cushing's triad. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it aligns with the manifestation of hypertension in Cushing's triad.