A nurse is caring for a client admitted with meningitis. The student nurse asks, "I know that the client has a lot of edemas in the brain, but what causes it?" Which of the following responses from the nurse best answers the student's question?
"Cerebral edema is caused by osmotic cerebral edema."
"Cerebral edema is caused by whole body inflammation which affects the brain the most."
"Cerebral edema is caused by the by-products of the pathogen that causes the meningitis."
"Cerebral edema is caused by cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the intraventricular space to the interstitial area of the brain."
The Correct Answer is C
A. Osmotic edema refers to fluid shifts due to changes in osmotic gradients (as seen in conditions like hyponatremia), not the inflammatory process of meningitis.
B. While inflammation is a key part of the body's response in meningitis, the edema is not a result of generalized whole-body inflammation. The edema is more directly linked to local inflammatory reactions in the brain triggered by the pathogen’s by-products.
C. Bacterial cell walls, endotoxins, and other components released by the bacteria directly stimulate inflammation, causing the breakdown of the BBB and allowing fluid and inflammatory cells to leak into the brain tissue.
D. This description is more aligned with the pathophysiology of conditions like hydrocephalus rather than meningitis. In meningitis, cerebral edema is primarily due to the inflammatory response, not abnormal CSF flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pregabalin is incorrect. Pregabalin is a medication used to treat neuropathic pain, seizures, and generalized anxiety disorder. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Choice B Reason:
Natalizumab is correct.: Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing forms of MS. It is associated with an increased risk of developing PML, particularly in individuals who are JC virus antibody positive. Regular monitoring of JC virus antibody status and clinical vigilance is required when using natalizumab to reduce the risk of PML.
Choice C Reason:
Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat edema and hypertension. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Choice D Reason:
Metoprolol is incorrect .Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Spinal cord injuries can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, impairing the body's ability to regulate temperature (thermoregulation). This can lead to temperature sensitivity, with clients experiencing issues such as difficulty sweating, shivering, or adapting to extreme temperatures.
Choice B Reason:
Contractures, which are the shortening and tightening of muscles, tendons, or ligaments, can occur as a complication of spinal cord injuries. Immobility and spasticity commonly seen in SCI can contribute to the development of contractures.
Choice C Reason:
Sexual dysfunction is a common complication of spinal cord injuries. SCI can affect sexual function and reproductive health due to changes in sensation, mobility, and autonomic nervous system function.
Choice D Reason:
Disc degeneration, or degenerative disc disease, typically occurs as a result of aging and wear and tear on the spinal discs. While SCI may lead to changes in spinal alignment and biomechanics, it is not a direct cause of disc degeneration.
Choice E Reason:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common complication of spinal cord injuries. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, which is common in SCI, can lead to urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary stasis, increasing the risk of UTIs.
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