A patient with diabetes mellitus (DM) developed a serum glucose of 900 and an elevated serum osmolality. The patient then became unconscious. What pathological process most likely caused the altered neurologic status?
The brain cells became edematous because of a blood to tissue shift of fluid.
Hyperinsulinemia caused hypoglycemia and a tonic clonic seizure.
The brain cells became dehydrated because of fluid shirting out of the cells.
Fluid volume overload caused higher pressure in the brain tissue
The Correct Answer is C
A. The brain cells became edematous because of a blood to tissue shift of fluid: This describes cerebral edema, which is not typically caused by hyperglycemia.
B. Hyperinsulinemia caused hypoglycemia and a tonic-clonic seizure: The scenario describes hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.
C. The brain cells became dehydrated because of fluid shifting out of the cells:. In hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS), extremely high blood glucose leads to increased serum osmolality, causing water to move out of brain cells, leading to dehydration and altered consciousness.
D. Fluid volume overload caused higher pressure in the brain tissue: Fluid volume overload is not the primary issue in this scenario; rather, dehydration is the concern due to hyperglycemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Ischemia of the brain tissue is causing cellular injury, swelling, and malfunction of the contralateral side: Hemiparesis occurs on the side opposite to the brain lesion due to the crossing (decussation) of motor pathways.
B. The functioning of the right cranial nerve controlling facial movement is compromised by cerebral edema: While facial nerve involvement can cause drooping, the hemiparesis suggests a central (brain) rather than peripheral issue.
C. The sensorimotor tracts leading from the brain to the body decussate and control the arm and leg on the same side as the lesion: This is incorrect because the tracts control the contralateral side of the body.
D. The corticospinal tracts leading from the brain to the body decussate and control the ipsilateral arm and leg: This is incorrect; the corticospinal tracts control the contralateral side.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Puffy appearance associated with hypersecretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH): This describes the appearance associated with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion), not myxedema.
B. Tissue puffiness associated with hypothyroidism: Myxedema is a condition related to severe hypothyroidism, characterized by swelling of the skin and underlying tissues, giving a puffy appearance, especially in the face.
C. Proliferation of tissue behind the eyes that is common in hyperthyroidism: This describes exophthalmos, a condition often seen in Graves' disease, which is associated with hyperthyroidism, not myxedema.
D. State of increased cerebral edema the morning after a college party: This choice is incorrect and unrelated to the description of myxedema.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.