A nurse is caring for a client admitted with meningitis. The student nurse asks, "I know that the client has a lot of edemas in the brain, but what causes it?" Which of the following responses from the nurse best answers the student's question?
"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 the by-products of the pathogen that causes the meningitis."
"Cerebral edema is caused by cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain."
The Correct Answer is C
A. Osmotic edema refers to fluid shifts due to changes in osmotic gradients (as seen in conditions like hyponatremia), not the inflammatory process of meningitis.
B. While inflammation is a key part of the body's response in meningitis, the edema is not a result of generalized whole-body inflammation. The edema is more directly linked to local inflammatory reactions in the brain triggered by the pathogen’s by-products.
C. Bacterial cell walls, endotoxins, and other components released by the bacteria directly stimulate inflammation, causing the breakdown of the BBB and allowing fluid and inflammatory cells to leak into the brain tissue.
D. This description is more aligned with the pathophysiology of conditions like hydrocephalus rather than meningitis. In meningitis, cerebral edema is primarily due to the inflammatory response, not abnormal CSF flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"You must experiment with your body to find out what stimulation is enjoyable after your injury." This statement encourages the client to explore their body and discover what types of sexual stimulation are enjoyable and pleasurable for them post-injury. It promotes self-discovery and empowerment in sexual expression, which can be important for sexual satisfaction and intimacy.
Choice B Reason:
"You will not be able to have an intimate relationship with anyone after a spinal cord injury." This statement is incorrect and defeatist. It can create unnecessary feelings of hopelessness and despair in the client. Individuals with spinal cord injuries can still have intimate relationships and engage in sexual activity with partners, albeit with potential adjustments or accommodations.
Choice C Reason:
"You should not feel undesirable after your injury. You are still nice-looking. “While it's important to address body image concerns and reassure the client about their physical appearance, this statement may not directly address sexual stimulation or intimacy. However, it can help promote self-confidence and positive self-esteem, which are important aspects of sexuality and relationships.
Choice D Reason:
"Clients who have a spinal cord injury are not aroused by touch around the groin area." This statement is inaccurate and dismissive of the individual's potential for sexual arousal and pleasure. Sensation and arousal can vary among individuals with spinal cord injuries, and touch around the groin area may still be arousing for some individuals, depending on the level and extent of injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flail chest is incorrect. Flail chest is a condition characterized by multiple rib fractures, causing instability in the chest wall. While it can lead to respiratory distress, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Instead, it impairs the mechanics of breathing by compromising chest wall integrity.
Choice B Reason:
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where the alveolar walls are destroyed, leading to a loss of surface area for gas exchange. This results in areas of the lungs that are well-perfused but poorly ventilated, causing a V/Q mismatch. The damage to alveoli leads to impaired ventilation, while blood flow may still be adequate, leading to hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
Choice C Reason:
CHF primarily affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. However, it typically causes diffusion defects rather than a direct ventilation-perfusion mismatch. V/Q mismatch may occur secondary to pulmonary edema, but it’s not the primary mechanism of respiratory failure in CHF.
Choice D Reason:
Guillain-Barré syndrome is incorrect. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. While respiratory muscle weakness can occur in GBS, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. GBS primarily affects nerve function rather than lung function.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today