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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A patient in the intensive care unit who was admitted with severe head trauma and cerebral edema, who opens their eyes spontaneously, is oriented, and obeys commands, would be experiencing a decline in their condition if they become confused. Confusion can be a sign of worsening brain function, indicating that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen or is being affected by a buildup of toxins. This could be due to increased intracranial pressure, decreased blood flow to the brain, or further injury to the brain tissue.
Choice B rationale

Mumbling inappropriate words can also be a sign of a decline in a patient’s condition. However, it is less specific than confusion. It could be due to a variety of factors, including medication side effects, sleep deprivation, or mental health issues.
Choice C rationale
If a patient’s eyes do not open to their name, it could indicate a significant decline in their condition. However, this is a more severe symptom than confusion and may not be the first sign of a decline.

A. “Have you experienced any nausea or vomiting with your headache?” B. “Are the lights in here bothering you?” C. “Have you noticed any confusion or clouded thinking?” D. “Have you smelled anything unusual or are you currently smelling anything strange?” E. “Did you feel weak before the headache started or are you feeling weak now?”

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with migraines. Asking about these symptoms can help confirm a diagnosis of a migraine.
Choice B rationale
Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, is a common symptom of migraines. However, the question “Are the lights in here bothering you?” is less specific to migraines as it could be indicative of several other conditions as well.
Choice C rationale
While confusion or clouded thinking can occur with migraines, it is not as common as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Choice D rationale
Unusual smells, known as olfactory hallucinations, are not typically associated with migraines. They are more commonly associated with conditions such as epilepsy.
Choice E rationale
Weakness before the headache started or currently feeling weak now is not a typical symptom of migraines. It could be indicative of a more serious condition, such as a stroke.

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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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient in the intensive care unit who was admitted with severe head trauma and cerebral edema. The patient opens their eyes spontaneously, is oriented, and obeys commands.Which of the following findings indicate the patient is experiencing a decline in their condition?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with a history of migraines comes to a clinic with a throbbing headache. What Questions should the nurse include in the assessment?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a class about the use of pain medications for clients who have an opioid addiction. Which of the following medications are a nonopioid analgesic?

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury and is being mechanically ventilated. Which of the following can cause unfavorable outcomes for this client?

A nurse receives a report on a client with a basilar skull fracture. What findings should the nurse expect with this client?

A nurse is providing care for a patient in the emergency department who has been preliminarily diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which diagnostic test should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to order?

A nurse is educating a student about cerebral edema. The student nurse inquires, “What type of cerebral edema is associated with a patient who has had a stroke?” Which of the following is the best response from the nurse?

A nurse is gathering neurological data on a patient with a neurological injury and observes signs indicative of Cushing’s Triad. The nurse understands that Cushing’s Triad is a nervous system response that could prevent which of the following conditions?

A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include in the plan of care?

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