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.
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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 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur at any age, people in their 30s are not at the highest risk. Other factors, such as participation in high-risk activities or certain occupations, can increase the risk of TBI, but age alone in this group does not confer a higher risk.
Choice B rationale
People who play contact sports are at a higher risk of sustaining a TBI. Contact sports such as football, boxing, and hockey have a high incidence of TBIs, including concussions.
Choice C rationale
Abstaining from alcohol does not increase the risk of TBI. In fact, alcohol use is a risk factor for TBI, as it can increase the likelihood of falls, car accidents, and other events that can cause TBI1112.
Choice D rationale
Living in rural areas does not inherently increase the risk of TBI. However, certain factors associated with rural living, such as increased travel distances and limited access to trauma
care, can contribute to the severity of a TBI once it occurs. Subarachnoid hemorrhageSubarachnoid hemorrhage Explore
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