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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Light sensitivity is incorrect. Light sensitivity (photophobia) is not typically a direct manifestation of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. However, it may occur as a secondary symptom due to other neurological disturbances or increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B Reason:
Loss of consciousness is correct. Loss of consciousness is a common manifestation of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, particularly if the bleeding leads to significant brain injury or compression of vital brain structures.
Choice C Reason:
A dilated pupil is correct. A dilated pupil (mydriasis) may occur as a result of compression of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) by the expanding hematoma or increased intracranial pressure following a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.
Choice D Reason:
Visual disturbances is correct. Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), or loss of vision, may occur due to compression of the optic nerve or damage to visual pathways as a result of the hemorrhage.
Choice E Reason:
Nausea and vomiting is correct. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, often due to irritation of the meninges and increased intracranial pressure resulting from the bleeding.
Choice F Reason:
Numbness on one side of the face is incorrect. Numbness on one side of the face is not typically a direct manifestation of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. However, it may occur if the hemorrhage affects specific regions of the brain responsible for sensation or if there is associated compression of cranial nerves.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Dulaglutide is inappropriate. Dulaglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. It is not indicated for the management of neurogenic bladder or urinary incontinence.
Choice B Reason:
Montelukast sodium is inappropriate. Montelukast sodium is a medication primarily used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis by blocking leukotrienes, which are inflammatory substances that contribute to asthma and allergy symptoms. It is not indicated for the management of neurogenic bladder or urinary incontinence.
Choice C Reason:
Glatiramer acetate is inappropriate. Glatiramer acetate is a medication used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) by modulating the immune system. It is not indicated for the management of neurogenic bladder or urinary incontinence.
Choice D Reason:
Oxybutynin is appropriate. Oxybutynin is a medication commonly prescribed for the management of neurogenic bladder and urinary incontinence. It belongs to a class of medications called anticholinergics, which work by relaxing the bladder muscles and reducing bladder spasms. Oxybutynin helps control urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence associated with neurogenic bladder, including spasm-induced incontinence.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
