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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Rebleeding of the injury is a significant factor related to a high mortality rate for a client who has a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). SAH is a devastating event with substantial mortality and high morbidity among survivors. The most common primary causes of death or neurological devastation leading to withdrawal of support are direct effects of the primary hemorrhage (55%) and aneurysm rebleeding (17%)2. Therefore, rebleeding of the injury is a critical concern in the management of SAH.
Choice B rationale
Decreased cerebrospinal fluid is not directly linked to a high mortality rate in SAH. While changes in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics can occur after SAH, it’s not typically a primary factor contributing to mortality.
Choice C rationale
The use of nimodipine is actually part of the treatment protocol for SAH. Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker that is used to prevent cerebral vasospasm, a complication of SAH. It does not contribute to a higher mortality rate.
Choice D rationale
Poor functional ability could be a result of SAH due to neurological damage, but it is not a direct cause of high mortality. The severity of the initial hemorrhage and subsequent
complications like rebleeding or medical complications are more directly tied to mortality rates.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur at any age, people in their 30s are not at the highest risk. Other factors, such as participation in high-risk activities or certain occupations, can increase the risk of TBI, but age alone in this group does not confer a higher risk.
Choice B rationale
People who play contact sports are at a higher risk of sustaining a TBI. Contact sports such as football, boxing, and hockey have a high incidence of TBIs, including concussions.
Choice C rationale
Abstaining from alcohol does not increase the risk of TBI. In fact, alcohol use is a risk factor for TBI, as it can increase the likelihood of falls, car accidents, and other events that can cause TBI1112.
Choice D rationale
Living in rural areas does not inherently increase the risk of TBI. However, certain factors associated with rural living, such as increased travel distances and limited access to trauma
care, can contribute to the severity of a TBI once it occurs. Subarachnoid hemorrhageSubarachnoid hemorrhage Explore
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