A nurse is educating a student about cerebral edema.
The student nurse inquires, “What type of cerebral edema is associated with a patient who has had a stroke?” Which of the following is the best response from the nurse?

Choice A rationale
Vision loss and depression are not typically symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Vision loss could be a symptom of a more severe TBI or other neurological conditions.
Depression, while it can occur following a TBI, is not a direct symptom of the injury itself but rather a common psychological reaction to the changes and challenges that a person may face following the injury.
Choice B rationale

Seizures and weakness in the extremities can be symptoms of a TBI, but they are more commonly associated with moderate to severe TBIs. Mild TBIs do not typically cause seizures or weakness in the extremities.
Choice C rationale
Persistent headache can be a symptom of a mild TBI. However, aggressive behavior, while it can occur following a TBI, is not a direct symptom of the injury itself but rather a possible psychological reaction to the changes and challenges that a person may face following the injury.
Choice D rationale
Headache and confusion are common symptoms of a mild TBI. After a mild TBI, individuals may experience a headache or a feeling of pressure in the head. They may also experience confusion or feel as if in a fog.

Choice A rationale
Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, is not typically a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, but it is not directly linked to degenerative disc disease.
Choice B rationale
Paresthesia, or abnormal sensations such as tingling or prickling, can develop with degenerative disc disease. This is due to the fact that degenerative changes can lead to nerve compression, which can cause these sensations.
Choice C rationale
Foot drop, a gait abnormality, can be a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It can occur if the disease process affects the nerves that control the muscles involved in lifting the foot.
Choice D rationale
Intermittent pain is a common symptom of degenerative disc disease. The pain can vary in intensity and may be worse with certain activities or positions.
Choice E rationale
Hyperreflexia, or overactive reflexes, is not typically a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It is more commonly associated with conditions that affect the upper motor neurons.