A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about spinal cord injuries in clients who are aged 65 years and older. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the most common cause of spinal cord injuries for this age group?
Falls
Gunshot wounds
Sporting accidents
Motor vehicle accidents
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Falls is correct. Among individuals aged 65 years and older, falls are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. As people age, they may experience changes in balance, mobility, and bone density, which can increase their risk of falling. Falls can occur both at home and in other environments, such as during outdoor activities or in healthcare settings. Spinal cord injuries resulting from falls in older adults can have significant consequences, including decreased mobility, chronic pain, and loss of independence.
Choice B Reason:
Gunshot wounds is incorrect. Gunshot wounds can cause spinal cord injuries, but they are not the most common cause for individuals aged 65 years and older. Gunshot wounds tend to be more common in younger age groups or in specific contexts such as violence-related incidents, which are less frequent in older adults.
Choice C Reason:
Sporting accidents is incorrect. Sporting accidents can also lead to spinal cord injuries, especially in younger and more active individuals participating in high-impact sports. However, among individuals aged 65 years and older, participation in sporting activities that could result in spinal cord injuries is generally less common compared to younger age groups.
Choice D Reason:
Motor vehicle accidents is incorrect.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, but they are not as common in the elderly population as they are in younger age groups. Older adults may have reduced driving frequency or may be more cautious on the road, which decreases their risk of motor vehicle accidents compared to younger individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flail chest is incorrect. Flail chest is a condition characterized by multiple rib fractures, causing instability in the chest wall. While it can lead to respiratory distress, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Instead, it impairs the mechanics of breathing by compromising chest wall integrity.
Choice B Reason:
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where the alveolar walls are destroyed, leading to a loss of surface area for gas exchange. This results in areas of the lungs that are well-perfused but poorly ventilated, causing a V/Q mismatch. The damage to alveoli leads to impaired ventilation, while blood flow may still be adequate, leading to hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
Choice C Reason:
CHF primarily affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. However, it typically causes diffusion defects rather than a direct ventilation-perfusion mismatch. V/Q mismatch may occur secondary to pulmonary edema, but it’s not the primary mechanism of respiratory failure in CHF.
Choice D Reason:
Guillain-Barré syndrome is incorrect. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. While respiratory muscle weakness can occur in GBS, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. GBS primarily affects nerve function rather than lung function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Antibiotics are seldom prescribed," is not an appropriate response as it does not address the client's concern about the cost of medication and may also be inaccurate depending on the specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
Choice B Reason:
"Maybe you can borrow some money to get the medicine," may not be feasible for the client and can also be perceived as insensitive or dismissive of their financial situation.
Choice C Reason:
"Your health care provider may be able to give you free samples. “offers a compassionate and practical solution to the client's concern about the cost of medication. Many healthcare providers have access to free medication samples provided by pharmaceutical companies, which they can offer to patients who have financial difficulties.
Choice D Reason:
"Where did your money go this month?" is judgmental and inappropriate. It may make the client feel ashamed or defensive about their financial situation, which is not conducive to a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Additionally, the client's financial decisions are not relevant to their need for medical treatment.
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