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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with migraines. Asking about these symptoms can help confirm a diagnosis of a migraine.
Choice B rationale
Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, is a common symptom of migraines. However, the question “Are the lights in here bothering you?” is less specific to migraines as it could be indicative of several other conditions as well.
Choice C rationale
While confusion or clouded thinking can occur with migraines, it is not as common as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Choice D rationale
Unusual smells, known as olfactory hallucinations, are not typically associated with migraines. They are more commonly associated with conditions such as epilepsy.
Choice E rationale
Weakness before the headache started or currently feeling weak now is not a typical symptom of migraines. It could be indicative of a more serious condition, such as a stroke.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment that can be effective for a range of conditions, including chronic pain. However, it may not be the most suitable for acute pain management at home following a knee injury. CBT usually involves working with a trained therapist over multiple sessions, which may not be practical or immediately beneficial in this context.
Choice B rationale
Intermittent ice compress is a highly recommended non-pharmacological method for managing acute pain, especially following a knee injury. The cold temperature from the ice can help numb the area, reducing pain and inflammation. It’s a simple, cost-effective, and readily available method that can be easily applied at home.
Choice C rationale
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light using polychromatic polarised light, lasers, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent lamps, or dichroic lamps. While it has been used to treat conditions like seasonal affective disorder, skin conditions, and neonatal jaundice, its effectiveness in managing acute pain following a knee injury is not well-established.
Choice D rationale
Walking on a treadmill might not be suitable for a patient experiencing acute pain following a knee injury. Physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health and certain types of chronic pain. However, in the case of an acute knee injury, rest and immobilization are often recommended initially to allow the injured tissues to heal.
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