A nurse is collecting neurologic data on a client who has a neurological injury and notes changes suggestive of Cushing's Triad. The nurse understands that Cushing's Triad is a nervous system response that might prevent which of the following conditions?

Tachycardia

Agonal breathing

Chest pain

Brainstem ischemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Cushing's Triad is a set of three classic signs associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). These signs include hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. The presence of Cushing's Triad indicates severe brain injury or increased ICP, often leading to brainstem compression.

A. Tachycardia (Option A): Increased intracranial pressure can initially lead to tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate for the changes. However, as ICP continues to rise and brainstem compression occurs, the sympathetic response diminishes, resulting in bradycardia rather than tachycardia. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is not associated with preventing tachycardia.

B. Agonal breathing (Option B): Agonal breathing, characterized by gasping, labored breathing, or irregular breathing patterns, may occur as a result of brainstem dysfunction or damage. Cushing's Triad, indicative of increased ICP and impending brainstem herniation, does not prevent agonal breathing. In fact, irregular respirations are part of Cushing's Triad.

C. Chest pain (Option C): Chest pain may occur due to various cardiac or respiratory conditions and is not directly related to Cushing's Triad or increased intracranial pressure. Therefore, Cushing's Triad does not prevent chest pain.

D. Brainstem ischemia (Option D): Increased intracranial pressure can lead to brainstem compression, compromising blood flow to the brainstem and resulting in brainstem ischemia. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, is a nervous system response indicative of severe brain injury or increased ICP, which can lead to brainstem ischemia if left untreated. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is associated with brainstem ischemia rather than preventing it.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Since my parent suffered from Alzheimer's disease, I know that I am at an increased risk for developing the disease myself." This statement is accurate. Family history is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling) with Alzheimer's disease are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.

B. "The cause of Alzheimer's disease is still not fully known or understood." This statement is also accurate. While there are theories about the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, such as genetics, brain changes, and environmental factors, the exact cause is still not fully understood. Research into the etiology of Alzheimer's disease is ongoing.

C. "I do not have to worry about this because I do not have Down syndrome and I have never had a stroke." This statement indicates a need for further teaching. While it is true that individuals with Down syndrome and those who have had a stroke are at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, they are not the only populations at risk. Alzheimer's disease can affect individuals without Down syndrome or a history of stroke. Other risk factors include age, family history, genetics, and lifestyle factors.

D. "My child is at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease because they have trisomy 21." This statement is accurate. Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21, which contains the gene for amyloid precursor protein (APP). Overproduction of amyloid beta protein, derived from APP, is thought to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome.

A. Assess palmar reflex. B. Assess for cough reflex. C. Assess the ability to follow simple commands. D. Assess for Cushing's Triad. E. Assess for abnormal posturing.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Assess palmar reflex. Assessing the palmar reflex helps evaluate the integrity of the nervous system, particularly in response to tactile stimuli. In clients with severe TBI, abnormal reflexes may indicate neurological impairment and guide further assessment and intervention.

B. Assess for cough reflex. Assessing the cough reflex is important for evaluating airway protection and the risk of aspiration, especially in clients with reduced consciousness level due to TBI.

C. Assess the ability to follow simple commands. Assessing the client's ability to follow simple commands provides valuable information about their level of consciousness and cognitive function. It helps determine the extent of neurological impairment and guides the plan of care, including interventions for communication and cognitive deficits.

D. Assess for Cushing's Triad. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, may occur as a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with severe TBI. Monitoring for Cushing's Triad is crucial for early recognition of elevated ICP and prompt intervention to prevent further neurological damage.

E. Assess for abnormal posturing. Assessing for abnormal posturing, such as decerebrate or decorticate posturing, helps evaluate neurological function and localize brain injury in clients with TBI. Abnormal posturing indicates severe brain damage and may guide decisions regarding treatment and prognostication.

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A nurse is collecting neurologic data on a client who has a neurological injury and notes changes suggestive of Cushing's Triad. The nurse understands that Cushing's Triad is a nervous system response that might prevent which of the following conditions?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

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