A nurse is caring for an older adult client in the emergency department who sustained a head injury due to a fall. Which of the following are common reasons for head injuries in older adults?
(Select All that Apply.)
Decreased visual acuity
Motor vehicle crashes
Polypharmacy
Weakness
Chronic hypertension
Previous military experience
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Weight control if the client's BMI is greater than 35 is correct. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can exacerbate symptoms of heart failure. Weight control, particularly if the client's BMI is greater than 35, is important for managing cardiac conditions such as heart failure and reducing the risk of pulmonary edema.
Choice B Reason:
Healthy lifestyle is correct. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate hydration, and stress management, is essential for managing cardiac conditions and reducing the risk of complications such as pulmonary edema.
Choice C Reason:
Smoking cessation is correct. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can worsen heart failure symptoms. Smoking cessation is crucial for managing cardiac conditions and reducing the risk of pulmonary edema and other complications.
Choice D Reason:
Heart disease prevention is correct. Providing information about heart disease prevention strategies, such as maintaining a healthy diet, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, regular exercise, and regular medical check-ups, can help reduce the risk of exacerbations and complications in clients with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
Choice E Reason:
Glycemic control if the client is diabetic is correct. Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can contribute to the development and progression of heart failure. Glycemic control, along with lifestyle modifications and medication management, is important for managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications such as pulmonary edema.
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