What symptoms are part of Cushing's triad indicating increased ICP?

Cushing's triad is a clinical syndrome that indicates elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and is characterized by three specific symptoms: hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular breathing. The components of this triad are significant in the context of critical care and trauma management as they signal a serious compromise in cerebral perfusion.

Focusing on the correct answer, the presence of hypertension reflects the body's compensatory response to increased ICP, attempting to maintain adequate cerebral blood flow despite the elevated pressure. Irregular breathing is indicative of potential brainstem involvement, often due to pressure on the brain structures responsible for respiratory control. Bradycardia signifies a paradoxical response where the heart rate decreases in the face of increased blood pressure, suggesting increased vagal tone due to brainstem dysfunction.

The other options do not align with the hallmark signs of Cushing's triad. For instance, the presence of tachycardia and regular breathing is not characteristic of the triad and points towards other clinical states that do not specifically indicate increased ICP.