A nurse is caring for a client admitted with meningitis.
The student nurse asks, “I know that the client has a lot of edema in the brain, but what causes it?” Which of the following responses from the nurse best answers the student’s querry
Cerebral edema is caused by osmotic cerebral edema.
Cerebral edema is caused by whole body inflammation which affects the brain the most.
Cerebral edema is caused by cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain.
Cerebral edema is caused by the by-products of the pathogen that causes the meningitis.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Osmotic cerebral edema is a condition where water moves from the blood vessels into the brain due to changes in the concentration of particles in the blood. However, this is not the primary cause of cerebral edema in meningitis.
Choice B rationale
While inflammation can contribute to cerebral edema, it is not specific to the brain and does not affect the brain the most. In meningitis, the inflammation is primarily in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain, and not the whole body.
Choice C rationale
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) does flow from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain, but this is a normal process and does not cause cerebral edema. In meningitis, the inflammation of the meninges can disrupt the normal flow and absorption of CSF, leading to an accumulation of fluid and increased intracranial pressure.
Choice D rationale
In meningitis, the inflammation and immune response to the infection can lead to an increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This allows fluid and immune cells to enter the brain tissue, leading to cerebral edema. Additionally, the by-products of the pathogen that causes meningitis can directly damage the brain tissue and contribute to the edema.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. While it can be used in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage, it is not primarily used to decrease intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
Dopamine is a type of medication used to treat certain conditions such as low blood pressure, heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease. It is not typically used to decrease intracranial pressure in the context of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
Mannitol is a type of medication that is used to decrease intracranial pressure. It works by drawing fluid out of the brain to help reduce swelling.
Choice D rationale
Phenytoin is a medication used to control seizures. While it can be used in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage, it is not primarily used to decrease intracranial pressure. Migraine Explore
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, but it is not a known risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)10111213.
Choice B rationale
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, but it is not a known risk factor for SAH10111213.
Choice C rationale
Being male is not a specific risk factor for SAH. Both men and women can be affected by this condition.
Choice D rationale
Marfan’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. People with Marfan’s syndrome have a higher risk of developing aneurysms, including those in the brain, which can lead to SAH10111213. Cerebral edemaCerebral edema Explore
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