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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The aura phase is characterized by sensory, motor, or visual disturbances that occur before the headache phase of a migraine. Symptoms such as tingling of the face and blind spots in the eyes are common during this phase.
Choice B rationale
The postdrome phase, also known as the “migraine hangover,” occurs after the headache phase. It does not typically include symptoms such as tingling of the face or blind spots in the eyes.
Choice C rationale
The prodrome phase, also known as the pre-headache phase, can occur hours to days before the headache phase. It can include symptoms such as mood changes, food cravings, and neck stiffness, but not typically tingling of the face or blind spots in the eyes.
Choice D rationale
The headache phase is the period during a migraine when the actual headache occurs. It is not typically associated with symptoms such as tingling of the face or blind spots in the eyes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Bruising over the mastoid process, also known as Battle’s sign, is a classic clinical sign of a basilar skull fracture.
Choice B rationale
Pooling of blood and edema around the eyes, or ‘raccoon eyes’, is another sign of a basilar skull fracture.
Choice C rationale
The ability to recall how the injury occurred is not directly related to the presence of a basilar skull fracture. Memory loss or confusion could be symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, but they are not specific to a basilar skull fracture.
Choice D rationale
Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia, not a basilar skull fracture
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