A nurse is caring for an older adult client in the emergency department who sustained a head injury due to a fall. Which of the following are common reasons for head injuries in older adults?
(Select All that Apply.)
Decreased visual acuity
Motor vehicle crashes
Polypharmacy
Weakness
Chronic hypertension
Previous military experience
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A Reason:
Decreased visual acuity is correct. Yes, decreased visual acuity, including issues such as poor depth perception, reduced peripheral vision, and difficulty with contrast sensitivity, can contribute to falls and head injuries in older adults.
Choice B Reason:
Motor vehicle crashes is incorrect. While motor vehicle crashes can cause head injuries in individuals of all ages, they are less common among older adults compared to younger age groups.
Choice C Reason:
Polypharmacy is correct. Yes, polypharmacy, which refers to the use of multiple medications concurrently, is a common risk factor for falls and head injuries in older adults. Certain medications, especially those with sedative or psychotropic effects, can increase the risk of falls and accidents.
Choice D Reason:
Weakness is correct. Yes, weakness, frailty, and decreased muscle strength are common age-related changes that can increase the risk of falls and subsequent head injuries in older adults.
Choice E Reason:
Chronic hypertension, particularly when poorly controlled, can contribute to an increased risk of falls in older adults through various mechanisms:Hypertension medications or the condition itself can lead to orthostatic hypotension. This can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falls. Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, including strokes. These events can lead to neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or impaired balance, predisposing individuals to falls.
Choice F Reason:
Previous military experience is incorrect. While previous military experience may contribute to certain health conditions or injuries in older adults, it is not a common reason for head injuries specifically related to falls or accidents in this population.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Asthma flare-ups during exercise is correct . Exercise-induced asthma is a common feature of nonallergic asthma. Physical activity can trigger bronchoconstriction and asthma symptoms in individuals with this type of asthma.
Choice B Reason:
Nasal inflammation is incorrect. Nasal inflammation is not typically a characteristic feature of nonallergic asthma. While nasal symptoms such as congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and sneezing are common in allergic asthma due to the involvement of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), they are not typically prominent in nonallergic asthma. Nonallergic asthma primarily affects the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles) rather than the upper airways (nose and throat). Therefore, nasal inflammation is not commonly associated with nonallergic asthma.
Choice C Reason:
No hypersensitivity to allergens is correct. Unlike allergic asthma, where exposure to allergens triggers asthma symptoms, individuals with nonallergic asthma do not have a hypersensitivity to allergens.
Choice D Reason:
Asthma flare-ups with NSAID administration is correct. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals with nonallergic asthma.
Choice E Reason:
Persistence of manifestations is correct. Nonallergic asthma tends to have persistent symptoms even in the absence of allergen exposure. Symptoms may occur regularly and may not have a clear seasonal pattern like allergic asthma.
Choice F Reason:
Positive response to corticosteroids is correct. Corticosteroids are often effective in managing nonallergic asthma. Individuals with this type of asthma typically respond well to corticosteroid treatment as part of their asthma management plan.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hyponatremia is incorrect. Hyponatremia refers to low sodium levels in the blood and is not typically associated with degenerative disc disease. This finding is unrelated to the pathophysiology of DDD.
Choice B Reason:
Paresthesia is correct. Yes, paresthesia, which refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning, can develop with degenerative disc disease. Nerve compression or irritation due to disc degeneration can lead to paresthesia in the affected area, typically radiating along the nerve pathway.
Choice B Reason:
Foot drop is correct. Yes, foot drop can develop with degenerative disc disease, especially if the condition leads to nerve compression or damage in the lumbar spine (lower back). Foot drop refers to difficulty lifting the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in dorsiflexion.
Choice D Reason:
Intermittent pain is correct. Yes, intermittent pain is a hallmark symptom of degenerative disc disease. Pain may vary in intensity and may worsen with certain movements or activities. Individuals with DDD may experience episodes of acute pain, as well as chronic, persistent discomfort.
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