A nurse is providing care for a client following a cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Which of the following alterations are causes of PEA? (Select All that Apply.)
Hypertension
Hypovolemia
Hypoxia
Hyperkalemia
Hypernatremia
Hyperthermia
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) refers to a situation in which an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows electrical activity in the heart, but there is no effective mechanical activity and no palpable pulse. PEA can result from various underlying conditions that impair cardiac function or compromise circulation.
A. Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While uncontrolled hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of cardiac events such as myocardial infarction, it is not a direct cause of PEA.
B. Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, is a common cause of PEA. Reduced circulating blood volume leads to decreased preload and inadequate filling of the heart chambers, impairing cardiac output. This can result in ineffective cardiac contractions and the development of PEA.
C. Hypoxia: Hypoxia, or inadequate oxygenation of tissues, is a significant cause of PEA. Insufficient oxygen delivery to the myocardium impairs cardiac function and can lead to ineffective cardiac contractions. Without adequate oxygenation, the heart is unable to generate sufficient mechanical force to maintain circulation, resulting in PEA.
D. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia, or elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can cause PEA by disrupting cardiac electrical activity. Excessive potassium ions in the extracellular fluid alter the normal myocardial action potential, leading to cardiac conduction abnormalities and potential arrhythmias, including PEA.
E. Hypernatremia: Hypernatremia, or elevated levels of sodium in the blood, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms and dehydration, it does not directly impair cardiac electrical activity or mechanical function to the extent that it causes PEA.
F. Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is not typically a direct cause of PEA. While extreme hyperthermia can lead to cardiovascular complications such as heat stroke, it is not a common cause of PEA unless it is associated with severe systemic metabolic derangements.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Medications for Alzheimer's disease will help to increase my energy levels": This statement is not accurate. Medications for Alzheimer's disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) and memantine, are not intended to increase energy levels. Their primary goal is to improve cognitive function and help manage symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, but they do not directly affect energy levels.
B. "Medications for Alzheimer's disease will help slow the progression of my disease": This statement is correct. Medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, are aimed at slowing the progression of cognitive decline and managing symptoms associated with the disease. While these medications cannot cure Alzheimer's disease, they can help improve cognitive function and quality of life for some individuals.
C. "Medications for Alzheimer's disease will help me remember what I forgot": This statement oversimplifies the effects of Alzheimer's medications. While these medications may help improve memory and cognition to some extent, they are not capable of restoring lost memories or reversing the effects of significant memory impairment caused by Alzheimer's disease.
D. "Medications for Alzheimer's disease will cure the disease": This statement is incorrect. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Medications used to treat Alzheimer's, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression, but they do not cure the underlying condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Damage occurs from the penetrating object shattering the skull and causing an infection." While penetrating traumatic brain injuries can lead to skull fractures and subsequent infections, the primary mechanism of brain damage in these injuries is related to the direct impact of the penetrating object on brain tissue rather than the shattering of the skull.
B) "Damage to the brain is related to coup and contrecoup injuries." Coup and contrecoup injuries occur when the brain impacts the skull's interior surface due to rapid deceleration or acceleration, commonly seen in closed head injuries such as concussions. Penetrating traumatic brain injuries involve direct penetration of foreign objects into the brain tissue, and coup-contrecoup injuries are not typically associated with these types of injuries.
C) "Damage occurs from the penetrating injury causing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid." While penetrating injuries may result in cerebrospinal fluid leakage, this is not the primary mechanism through which they cause brain damage. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid is more commonly associated with certain types of head trauma, such as skull fractures, rather than solely penetrating injuries.
D) "Damage to the brain is related to the size, route, and rate of speed of the object entering the brain." This statement is correct. The extent of brain damage in penetrating traumatic brain injuries depends on various factors, including the size, shape, and velocity of the penetrating object, as well as the route it takes through the brain tissue. Larger, faster-moving objects tend to cause more extensive damage, whereas smaller objects or those with slower velocities may cause more localized damage. Therefore, understanding these factors is crucial in assessing and managing patients with penetrating traumatic brain injuries.
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