Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Cushing's Reflex/Triad?

Cushing's Triad is a clinical syndrome characterized by a classic set of symptoms that occur as a response to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The triad consists of hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular or abnormal respirations, which may include Cheyne-Stokes breathing, particularly in the context of severe brain injury.

Hypertension develops as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cerebral perfusion despite rising ICP. Bradycardia occurs as a result of increased pressure on the brain, affecting the brain's autonomic centers. Irregular breathing patterns, including Cheyne-Stokes breathing, often emerge when there is significant disruption to the normal respiratory centers in the brain due to increased pressure or damage.

An increased respiratory rate is not a part of Cushing's Triad. Instead, as the brain suffers from severe stress or damage, the respiratory rate may decrease or become irregular. This is critical to understanding the pathophysiology of the condition, as it highlights the body's responses to severe intracranial compromise rather than an increased respiratory drive. Recognizing these symptoms helps healthcare providers identify and manage potential life-threatening conditions related to elevated ICP.