Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Cushing's Reflex indicates increased intracranial pressure, which is a critical condition often associated with serious brain injuries or conditions leading to brain swelling. It is characterized by a triad of symptoms: hypertension (high blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heart rate), and irregular respirations. This reflex is the body’s compensatory response to the stress of rising intracranial pressure, as it strives to maintain cerebral perfusion and protect brain function.

As intracranial pressure rises, the brainstem becomes compressed, particularly the areas that regulate cardiovascular and respiratory functions. The resulting hypertension occurs as the body attempts to overcome the elevated pressure within the cranial cavity to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain, while bradycardia can be observed as a vagal response in an effort to counteract the increased blood pressure. Therefore, the correct association with Cushing's Reflex is indeed with increased intracranial pressure, highlighting the importance of monitoring neurological status closely in clinical practice.