A nurse is caring for a client who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. The client is alert and oriented and reports a loss of consciousness immediately after the accident. Which of the following additional manifestations should the nurse assess the client for?
(Select All that Apply.)
Pupillary dilation
Persistent headache
Presence of hand tremors
Difficulty waking
Foot drop
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A Reason:
Pupillary dilation is correct. Pupillary changes can indicate neurological dysfunction following a head injury. Dilated pupils may suggest increased intracranial pressure or damage to specific brain structures.
Choice B Reason:
Persistent headache is correct .Headaches are a common symptom following a head injury. Persistent or worsening headaches can indicate ongoing neurological issues and should be monitored closely.
Choice C Reason:
Presence of hand tremors is incorrect. Hand tremors are not typically associated with loss of consciousness following a motor vehicle accident. While hand tremors can occur in various conditions, such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease, they are not typically a direct manifestation of a head injury. The primary concern immediately following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness is assessing for signs of neurological dysfunction, such as altered level of consciousness, pupillary changes, and persistent headache. Hand tremors may be assessed in other contexts, but they are not directly related to the immediate assessment of a client following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness.
Choice D Reason:
Difficulty waking is correct. Difficulty waking or altered level of consciousness can indicate neurological impairment and may be indicative of a concussion or other brain injury.
E. Foot drop is incorrect. Foot drop refers to difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause dragging of the foot or toes along the ground while walking. While foot drop can result from various neurological conditions or injuries, it is not typically associated with loss of consciousness following a motor vehicle accident. Loss of consciousness after a motor vehicle accident is more indicative of potential head trauma or concussion, which may present with symptoms such as altered level of consciousness, headache, pupillary changes, or difficulty waking. Foot drop would be more relevant to assess in contexts related to peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury, or neurological conditions affecting the lower extremities. Given the scenario provided, foot drop is not a typical manifestation that the nurse would assess for immediately following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness. Therefore, option E is not relevant in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Typical pneumonia is correct. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacterial pathogen that causes typical pneumonia, also known as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Typical pneumonia is characterized by an acute onset of symptoms such as fever, productive cough with purulent sputum, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of typical pneumonia, especially in community settings.
Choice B Reason:
Chemical pneumonitis is incorrect. chemical pneumonitis, refers to inflammation of the lung tissue caused by inhalation or aspiration of toxic chemicals, gases, or gastric contents. It is not caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Choice C Reason:
Atypical pneumonia is incorrect. Atypical pneumonia, refers to pneumonia caused by atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. Atypical pneumonia typically presents with milder symptoms compared to typical pneumonia and may not respond to traditional antibiotics used for typical bacterial pneumonia.
Choice D Reason:
Aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia, occurs when foreign material, such as food, saliva, or gastric contents, is aspirated into the lungs, leading to inflammation and infection. While Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause pneumonia in the context of aspiration, it is more commonly associated with typical pneumonia acquired through inhalation of respiratory droplets containing the bacteria.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
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.
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