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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A client with a decreased potassium level is incorrect. Hypokalemia (decreased potassium level) can cause various neurological symptoms, but it doesn't directly lead to osmotic cerebral edema.
Choice B Reason:
When plasma glucose levels are rapidly lowered, an osmotic gradient develops between the brain and plasma, which can lead to cerebral edema.Brain cells pull water from the plasma, resulting in widespread edema.
Choice C Reason:
While HbA1c is an important marker of diabetes control and may indicate poor long-term management, it does not directly relate to the acute metabolic derangements (e.g., rapid osmotic shifts, severity of acidosis) that predispose to cerebral edema in DKA.
Choice D Reason:
A client with an increased creatinine level is incorrect. Elevated creatinine levels typically indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, but they don't directly cause osmotic cerebral edema.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I have signed up for an aerobics class three times a week." This statement is incorrect. Participating in aerobics classes three times a week may not be suitable for someone with spinal stenosis, as certain movements and high-impact activities common in aerobics classes can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of injury to the spine.
Choice B Reason:
"I ride my bicycle every day." This statement is correct. Cycling is generally considered a low-impact exercise that can be beneficial for individuals with spinal stenosis, as it helps improve cardiovascular fitness without placing excessive stress on the spine. Riding a bicycle regularly may be a suitable exercise option for this client.
Choice C Reason:
"I like to jog a half a mile every day." This statement is incorrect. Jogging involves repetitive impact and can place significant stress on the spine, which may exacerbate symptoms of spinal stenosis. It is generally not recommended for individuals with spinal stenosis due to the high-impact nature of the activity.
Choice D Reason:
"I enjoy doing circuit training once a week.": Circuit training typically involves a combination of aerobic and strength-training exercises performed in rapid succession. While some components of circuit training, such as strength training, can be beneficial for individuals with spinal stenosis, the intensity and variety of exercises in circuit training may not be suitable for everyone with this condition.
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