A nurse is caring for an older adult patient in the emergency department who sustained a head injury due to a fall. Which of the following are common causes of head injuries in older adults?
Decreased visual acuity
Motor vehicle crashes
Polypharmacy
Weakness
Chronic hypertension
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale
Decreased visual acuity can increase the risk of falls, which are a common cause of head injuries in older adults. Impaired vision can affect balance and coordination, making it more difficult for an individual to navigate their environment safely.
Choice B rationale
While motor vehicle crashes can certainly lead to head injuries, they are not one of the most common causes of head injuries in older adults. Falls are actually the leading cause of head injuries in this population.
Choice C rationale
Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications by a patient, is common in older adults and can increase the risk of falls and, consequently, head injuries. Certain medications can cause side effects such as dizziness or confusion, which can lead to falls.
Choice D rationale
Weakness, particularly in the lower body, can increase the risk of falls and subsequent head injuries in older adults. Lower body weakness can affect an individual’s balance and mobility, making falls more likely.
Choice E rationale
Chronic hypertension can lead to a variety of health complications, including an increased risk of falls and head injuries. Hypertension can cause dizziness and balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Serotonin is indeed an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep among other things. However, its role in the nervous system is complex and it can also have excitatory effects depending on the specific receptors and neural pathways involved.
Choice B rationale
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It works by decreasing neuronal excitability, which helps to regulate muscle tone, among other functions.
Choice C rationale
Acetylcholine is primarily an excitatory neurotransmitter, although it can have inhibitory effects in certain parts of the nervous system. It plays a key role in muscle activation, learning, and memory.
Choice D rationale
Dopamine can act as both an inhibitory and an excitatory neurotransmitter, depending on the type of receptor it binds to and the specific neural pathway involved. It plays key roles in reward, motivation, and motor control.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a stiff neck can be a symptom of a cerebral aneurysm, it is not a definitive sign. A stiff neck is more commonly associated with conditions like meningitis.
Choice B rationale
Most cerebral aneurysms do not cause symptoms until they rupture or become very large. Therefore, a person with a cerebral aneurysm typically will have no symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Seizures can occur if a cerebral aneurysm ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain. However, seizures are not a common symptom of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.
Choice D rationale
Nausea and vomiting can occur if a cerebral aneurysm ruptures and causes a sudden increase in intracranial pressure. However, these are not typical symptoms of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm.
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