A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a group of high school students about how penetrating traumatic brain injuries cause damage to the brain. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

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

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

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

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

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Respiratory rate of 12/min: A respiratory rate of 12/min is within the normal adult range (12-20 breaths per minute). In the context of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), respiratory rate changes might be noted as part of the Cushing's reflex (which is characterized by bradycardia, hypertension, and abnormal respiratory patterns like Cheyne-Stokes or ataxic breathing), but a rate of 12/min on its own is not indicative of a worsening condition. However, if the patient begins to show signs of irregular or abnormal breathing patterns, this would raise concern.

B. Blood pressure of 108/74 mm Hg: This blood pressure is also within the normal range and does not suggest a worsening of intracranial pressure. In fact, ICP can lead to a rise in blood pressure (due to the body's compensatory mechanisms, known as Cushing's triad), along with bradycardia and abnormal respirations. Thus, a stable blood pressure like 108/74 mm Hg is not concerning in this context.

C. Changes to pupil size and shape: Changes in pupil size, shape, or reactivity are significant indicators of worsening intracranial pressure. Unequal pupils (anisocoria), sluggish or absent response to light, and fixed dilated pupils are signs of brainstem compression or damage, which often occur as ICP increases. This could indicate herniation or severe brain injury, which are worsening conditions.

D. Swelling of the optic nerve: Swelling of the optic nerve, or papilledema, is another important sign of increased intracranial pressure. It occurs due to increased pressure within the skull, which causes congestion and swelling of the optic disc. This finding can be seen on fundoscopy and indicates a worsening condition, as it suggests elevated pressure affecting the brain.

E. Decreasing Glasgow Coma scores: A decreasing Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is a critical indicator of worsening neurologic function in a patient with increased ICP. The GCS is used to assess a patient's level of consciousness, and a decreasing score suggests that the brain's function is deteriorating. This can be caused by worsening edema, brain herniation, or other severe neurological impairments associated with elevated ICP.

A. A client transferred to the medical unit 1 hour ago, after staying 3 days in the ICU for severe blood pressure issues B. A client who has been on the medical unit for a week following a car accident and is waiting for transfer to a rehab facility when a bed becomes available C. A client who has been NPO for 3 hours, receiving IV fluids, and has not been prescribed any medications D. A client who is 4 days postoperative following knee surgery and scheduled for discharge home later this morning

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A client transferred to the medical unit 1 hour ago, after staying 3 days in the ICU for severe blood pressure issues: This client is at the greatest risk for developing delirium due to several factors: recent transfer from the intensive care unit (ICU), history of severe blood pressure issues requiring ICU admission, and the potential for experiencing significant physiological and psychological stressors during the ICU stay. Patients who have been in the ICU are at increased risk for delirium due to factors such as sedative use, mechanical ventilation, and critical illness.

B. A client who has been on the medical unit for a week following a car accident and is waiting for transfer to a rehab facility when a bed becomes available: While this client may have experienced significant trauma from the car accident, they have been stable on the medical unit for a week, which reduces the immediate risk of developing delirium compared to the client recently transferred from the ICU. However, ongoing assessment and monitoring are still necessary.

C. A client who has been NPO for 3 hours, receiving IV fluids, and has not been prescribed any medications: While fasting and receiving IV fluids may contribute to dehydration, which can increase the risk of delirium, this client does not have the same level of acuity or recent history of critical illness as the client transferred from the ICU. Additionally, the absence of prescribed medications reduces the risk of medication-related delirium.

D. A client who is 4 days postoperative following knee surgery and scheduled for discharge home later this morning: This client is in the subacute phase of recovery and is scheduled for discharge home, indicating stability and reduced risk of developing delirium compared to the client recently transferred from the ICU. However, postoperative patients are still at risk for delirium, particularly in the immediate postoperative period, and should be monitored accordingly.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a group of high school students about how penetrating traumatic brain injuries cause damage to the brain. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure and has a worsening neurologic condition. Which of the following cues should the nurse recognize as a worsening condition? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a group of clients. After receiving bedside report, the nurse determines which of the following clients to be at greatest risk for developing delirium?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has atrial fibrillation and reports dizziness and palpitations. Which of the following should the nurse understand is the cause of these manifestations?

A nurse is providing care for a client who has delirium in the intensive care unit. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first to prevent client injury?

The spouse of an older client experiencing delirium is at the client's bedside. The nurse is providing an update to the spouse regarding the client's plan of care. Which of the following responses by the spouse indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse has received report on a client who has a basilar skull fracture. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate with this client?

A nurse is providing care to a client who has spent several weeks in the intensive care unit because of complications related to shock. What adverse psychological outcomes should the nurse educate the client about prior to transfer to the medical unit?

A nurse is planning care for a client who has peripheral venous disease. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is assessing a client who has Lewy body dementia. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is responsible for changes in thinking, communication, movement, and emotional processing in Lewy body dementia?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following should the nurse understand is a risk factor for TBI?