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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Regulation of the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled can affect cerebral blood flow, but it does not directly maintain cerebral perfusion pressure constant.
Choice B rationale
Catecholamines circulating throughout the body can affect blood pressure and heart rate, but they do not directly maintain cerebral perfusion pressure constant.

Choice C rationale
How much blood is pumped from the heart, also known as cardiac output, can affect cerebral perfusion pressure. However, it does not directly maintain cerebral perfusion pressure constant.
Choice D rationale
Regulation of constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain, also known as cerebral autoregulation, is a key mechanism that maintains cerebral perfusion pressure constant. When pressure autoregulation is impaired, cerebral blood flow becomes dependent on cerebral perfusion pressure.

A. Pupillary dilation B. Persistent headache C. Presence of hand tremors D. Difficulty waking E. Foot drop

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Pupillary dilation can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, which could be a result of a traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle accident. It’s important to assess for this symptom as it may indicate a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Persistent headache is a common symptom following a head injury and can be a sign of a concussion or more serious brain injury. It’s crucial to monitor for this symptom as it can provide important information about the patient’s condition.
Choice C rationale
Presence of hand tremors is not typically associated with a head injury from a motor vehicle accident. While tremors can be a symptom of various neurological conditions, they are not commonly seen immediately after a traumatic head injury.
Choice D rationale

Difficulty waking can be a sign of a serious head injury. It could indicate a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury. This symptom should be closely monitored as it may require immediate medical intervention.
Choice E rationale
Foot drop is not typically a symptom observed immediately after a motor vehicle accident. It’s more commonly associated with peripheral nerve conditions or stroke, rather than a head injury.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has sustained a neurologic injury with increased intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral perfusion. Which of the following will maintain cerebral perfusion pressure constant?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who was involved in a motor vehicle accident.The patient is alert and oriented and reports a loss of consciousness immediately after the accident. Which of the following additional symptoms should the nurse assess the patient for? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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