A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has a spinal cord injury and spasm-induced incontinence. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate a prescription for?

Choice A Reason:

Vasogenic cerebral edema is appropriate response. Vasogenic cerebral edema occurs due to disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to leakage of fluid and proteins from the blood vessels into the brain parenchyma. This type of cerebral edema is commonly associated with conditions such as brain tumors, abscesses, and ischemic stroke.

Choice B Reason:

Osmotic cerebral edema is inappropriate response. Osmotic cerebral edema occurs when there is an imbalance of osmotic forces across the blood-brain barrier, leading to the movement of water into the brain cells. This type of cerebral edema can result from conditions such as hyponatremia or the administration of hypertonic solutions.

Choice C Reason:

Cellular cerebral edema is inappropriate response. Cellular cerebral edema involves the swelling of brain cells (neurons and glial cells) due to various insults, such as ischemia, hypoxia, or metabolic disturbances. This type of cerebral edema can occur in conditions such as ischemic stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Choice D Reason:

Interstitial cerebral edema is incorrect response. Interstitial cerebral edema involves the accumulation of fluid within the interstitial spaces of the brain tissue. This type of cerebral edema can occur in conditions such as hydrocephalus, where there is obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow.

Choice A Reason:

Decreased visual acuity is correct. Yes, decreased visual acuity, including issues such as poor depth perception, reduced peripheral vision, and difficulty with contrast sensitivity, can contribute to falls and head injuries in older adults.

Choice B Reason:

Motor vehicle crashes is incorrect. While motor vehicle crashes can cause head injuries in individuals of all ages, they are less common among older adults compared to younger age groups.

Choice C Reason:

Polypharmacy is correct. Yes, polypharmacy, which refers to the use of multiple medications concurrently, is a common risk factor for falls and head injuries in older adults. Certain medications, especially those with sedative or psychotropic effects, can increase the risk of falls and accidents.

Choice D Reason:

Weakness is correct. Yes, weakness, frailty, and decreased muscle strength are common age-related changes that can increase the risk of falls and subsequent head injuries in older adults.

Choice E Reason:

Chronic hypertension, particularly when poorly controlled, can contribute to an increased risk of falls in older adults through various mechanisms:Hypertension medications or the condition itself can lead to orthostatic hypotension. This can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falls.Chronic hypertension is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, including strokes. These events can lead to neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or impaired balance, predisposing individuals to falls.

Choice F Reason:

Previous military experience is incorrect. While previous military experience may contribute to certain health conditions or injuries in older adults, it is not a common reason for head injuries specifically related to falls or accidents in this population.