A nurse is educating a group of high school students about the damage caused by penetrating traumatic brain injuries.
Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?

Damage to the brain is related to the size, route, and speed of the object entering the brain.

Damage occurs from the penetrating injury causing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Damage to the brain is related to coup and contrecoup injuries.

Damage occurs from the penetrating object shattering the skull and causing an infection.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Penetrating traumatic brain injuries can cause significant damage to the brain. The extent of this damage is often related to the size, route, and speed of the object entering the brain. A larger, faster object or one that follows a path through vital areas of the brain can cause more severe injury. This is because the object can disrupt normal brain tissue and function, leading to a range of potential effects, from temporary changes in brain function to long-term complications or even death.
Choice B rationale
While it is true that a penetrating injury can cause leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), this is not the primary source of damage in such injuries. CSF leakage can lead to complications such as meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
However, the primary damage in penetrating brain injuries comes from the direct physical disruption of brain tissue by the object.
Choice C rationale
Coup and contrecoup injuries are terms used to describe injuries that occur at the site of impact (coup) and on the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup). These injuries are typically associated with blunt force trauma, not penetrating injuries. In a penetrating injury, the damage is localized to the path that the object has taken through the brain, rather than at the point of impact and its opposite side.

Choice D rationale
While a penetrating object can indeed shatter the skull and potentially cause an infection, the primary damage in penetrating brain injuries is caused by the direct injury to the brain tissue itself. Infections are a secondary complication that can occur if bacteria enter the brain through the wound.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Maintaining the head of the bed between 30 and 45 degrees is a common intervention for a patient at risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture. This position can help reduce intracranial pressure and promote venous drainage from the brain.
Choice B rationale
Administering hypotonic intravenous solutions is not typically recommended for patients at risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture. Hypotonic solutions can lead to cerebral edema, which can increase intracranial pressure and potentially contribute to aneurysm rupture.
Choice C rationale
Keeping lights at a medium level in the evening is not a specific intervention for patients at risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture. While maintaining a comfortable and restful environment is important, there’s no evidence to suggest that the level of lighting has a direct impact on the risk of aneurysm rupture.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the patient every shift is a standard nursing intervention to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort. However, it is not a specific intervention for patients at risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture.

A. A CT angiogram will reveal any fractures within the skull or spine B. A CT angiogram will reveal any overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) C. A CT angiogram will reveal any edema within the brain tissue D. A CT angiogram will reveal any decreased blood flow related to vasospasm .

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While a CT angiogram can indeed reveal fractures within the skull or spine, this is not its primary purpose in the context of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The main goal is to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.
Choice B rationale
A CT angiogram does not primarily reveal overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is used to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.
Choice C rationale
While a CT angiogram can show areas of edema within the brain tissue, this is not its main purpose in the context of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The primary goal is to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.

Choice D rationale
A CT angiogram can indeed reveal decreased blood flow related to vasospasm in the context of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm is a condition in which blood vessels spasm, leading to vasoconstriction. This can reduce blood flow to the brain, which can be visualized on a CT angiogram.

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A nurse is educating a group of high school students about the damage caused by penetrating traumatic brain injuries. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?

Nursing Test Bank

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A nurse is educating a group of high school students about the damage caused by penetrating traumatic brain injuries.
Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?