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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Repeating the same question over and over is incorrect. Repeating the same question over and over is not a desired outcome of client education. It may indicate confusion or cognitive impairment rather than effective learning and understanding of COPD management.
Choice B Reason:
Awareness of COPD manifestations is incorrect. This is a desirable outcome of client education. Increasing the client's awareness of COPD manifestations, such as dyspnea, coughing, and sputum production, can help them recognize exacerbations early and take appropriate action to manage their condition.
Choice C Reason:
Anxiety and restlessness is incorrect. Anxiety and restlessness are not desired outcomes of client education. While anxiety is common in individuals with COPD due to the chronic nature of the condition and its impact on daily activities, education should aim to reduce anxiety by providing information and strategies for coping with COPD-related symptoms and challenges.
Choice D Reason:
Motivation and engagement of the client is correct. This is a desirable outcome of client education. Motivating and engaging the client in their own care empowers them to take an active role in managing their COPD and improving their quality of life. Education should provide information, support, and encouragement to help the client feel motivated and engaged in self-management strategies.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Prodrome is incorrect. The prodrome phase occurs before the onset of the headache and can last for hours to days. During this phase, individuals may experience subtle changes that serve as warning signs of an impending migraine attack. Common prodromal symptoms include fatigue, mood changes, food cravings, increased thirst, and heightened sensitivity to light or sound. Tingling of the face and blind spots in the eyes are not typically associated with the prodrome phase.
Choice B Reason:
Aura is correct. The aura phase of a migraine typically occurs before or during the headache phase and involves neurological symptoms. Aura symptoms can include visual disturbances such as blind spots, zigzag lines, or flashing lights, as well as sensory symptoms like tingling or numbness, often starting in one part of the body and spreading gradually. The tingling of the face and blind spots in the eyes described by the client are consistent with the aura phase of a migraine.
Choice C Reason:
Postdrome is incorrect. The postdrome phase occurs after the headache phase and can last for hours to days. During this phase, individuals may experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and muscle aches. While some individuals may experience visual disturbances during the postdrome phase, the tingling of the face and blind spots in the eyes described by the client are more characteristic of the aura phase.
Choice D Reason:
Headache is incorrect. The headache phase of a migraine is characterized by moderate to severe throbbing head pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. While visual disturbances can occur during the headache phase, the tingling of the face and blind spots in the eyes described by the client precede the onset of headache, suggesting the aura phase rather than the headache phase.
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