What should be suspected in a 36-year-old female with vital signs of BP 170/100, P 50, R 8, and GCS 3 following a motorcycle crash?

In a patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3, indicating a severe level of unconsciousness, combined with vital signs showing hypertension (BP 170/100), bradycardia (P 50), and severe respiratory depression (R 8), increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a significant concern. The high blood pressure may suggest a compensatory mechanism in response to a reduced cerebral perfusion pressure due to elevated intracranial pressure, often seen in traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, the bradycardia and respiratory rate of 8 can be indicative of a Cushing's reflex, which occurs as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion in the face of rising ICP.

These vital signs, along with the context of a traumatic motorcycle crash, make increased intracranial pressure a likely complication, particularly if there has been any head injury associated with the crash. The altered levels of consciousness and potential for brain injury necessitate a suspicion of ICP elevation.