A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of multiple concussions. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?
Frequent headaches
Memory loss
Personality changes
All of the above
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
This is a correct answer. Frequent headaches are a common symptom of CTE, which is a progressive degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. Headaches may be triggered by physical or mental exertion, stress, or noise.
Choice B reason:
This is a correct answer. Memory loss is another common symptom of CTE, which affects the areas of the brain responsible for learning and recall. Memory loss may manifest as difficulty remembering names, dates, events, or conversations.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct answer. Personality changes are also a common symptom of CTE, which affects the areas of the brain responsible for mood and behavior. Personality changes may include irritability, aggression, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, or apathy.
Choice D reason:
This is a correct answer. All of the above are possible symptoms of CTE, which can vary in severity and onset depending on the individual and the extent of brain damage. Other possible symptoms include confusion, cognitive impairment, speech problems, vision problems, balance problems, motor problems, or suicidal thoughts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to return to work or school as soon as possible after a concussion. The client should rest and avoid cognitive tasks that require concentration, attention, or memory until their symptoms resolve and they are cleared by their provider.
Choice B reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving or operating machinery until cleared by the provider after a concussion. Driving or operating machinery can be dangerous and impairing for the client who may have symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, or slowed reaction time.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to resume sports or physical activities within a week after a concussion. The client should avoid strenuous or risky activities that could cause another concussion or worsen their symptoms until they are asymptomatic and cleared by their provider.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to take ibuprofen or aspirin for pain relief after a concussion. Ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain or interfere with blood clotting.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a correct answer. Monitoring the client's GCS score helps to assess the level of consciousness and neurological function after a concussion. The GCS score ranges from 3 to 15, with lower scores indicating more severe brain injury.
Choice B reason:
This is a correct answer. Administering acetaminophen for pain relief helps to reduce headache and discomfort after a concussion. Acetaminophen is preferred over nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct answer. Encouraging the client to rest in a dark and quiet room helps to promote healing and recovery after a concussion. Rest includes physical and mental rest, which means avoiding strenuous activities, sports, driving, work, school, or screen time until symptoms resolve.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Providing stimulating activities such as puzzles and games can worsen symptoms and delay recovery after a concussion. The client should avoid cognitive tasks that require concentration, attention, or memory until cleared by a health care provider.
Choice E reason:
This is a correct answer. Educating the client about the signs of post-concussion syndrome helps to prepare them for possible complications and when to seek medical attention. Post-concussion syndrome is a condition in which symptoms persist for weeks or months after a concussion. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, or cognitive impairment.
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