A nurse is educating a group of high school students about the damage caused by penetrating traumatic brain injuries.
Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?

Damage to the brain is related to the size, route, and speed of the object entering the brain.

Damage occurs from the penetrating injury causing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

Damage to the brain is related to coup and contrecoup injuries.

Damage occurs from the penetrating object shattering the skull and causing an infection.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Penetrating traumatic brain injuries can cause significant damage to the brain. The extent of this damage is often related to the size, route, and speed of the object entering the brain. A larger, faster object or one that follows a path through vital areas of the brain can cause more severe injury. This is because the object can disrupt normal brain tissue and function, leading to a range of potential effects, from temporary changes in brain function to long-term complications or even death.
Choice B rationale
While it is true that a penetrating injury can cause leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), this is not the primary source of damage in such injuries. CSF leakage can lead to complications such as meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
However, the primary damage in penetrating brain injuries comes from the direct physical disruption of brain tissue by the object.
Choice C rationale
Coup and contrecoup injuries are terms used to describe injuries that occur at the site of impact (coup) and on the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup). These injuries are typically associated with blunt force trauma, not penetrating injuries. In a penetrating injury, the damage is localized to the path that the object has taken through the brain, rather than at the point of impact and its opposite side.

Choice D rationale
While a penetrating object can indeed shatter the skull and potentially cause an infection, the primary damage in penetrating brain injuries is caused by the direct injury to the brain tissue itself. Infections are a secondary complication that can occur if bacteria enter the brain through the wound.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke. As people age, their risk of stroke increases. However, this is not something that can be changed or controlled.
Choice B rationale
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that can increase the risk of stroke, particularly in children. However, it is not a modifiable risk factor because it is determined by the person’s genes.
Choice C rationale
Having a parent with cardiovascular disease can increase a person’s risk of stroke. However, this is a non-modifiable risk factor because it is determined by genetics.
Choice D rationale
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke. It can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.

A. Pupillary dilation B. Persistent headache C. Presence of hand tremors D. Difficulty waking E. Foot drop

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

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Pupillary dilation can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, which could be a result of a traumatic brain injury following a motor vehicle accident. It’s important to assess for this symptom as it may indicate a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
Persistent headache is a common symptom following a head injury and can be a sign of a concussion or more serious brain injury. It’s crucial to monitor for this symptom as it can provide important information about the patient’s condition.
Choice C rationale
Presence of hand tremors is not typically associated with a head injury from a motor vehicle accident. While tremors can be a symptom of various neurological conditions, they are not commonly seen immediately after a traumatic head injury.
Choice D rationale

Difficulty waking can be a sign of a serious head injury. It could indicate a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury. This symptom should be closely monitored as it may require immediate medical intervention.
Choice E rationale
Foot drop is not typically a symptom observed immediately after a motor vehicle accident. It’s more commonly associated with peripheral nerve conditions or stroke, rather than a head injury.

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A nurse is educating a group of high school students about the damage caused by penetrating traumatic brain injuries. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the electronic medical record of a middle-aged client who was admitted following a stroke. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a modifiable risk factor for stroke?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who was involved in a motor vehicle accident.The patient is alert and oriented and reports a loss of consciousness immediately after the accident. Which of the following additional symptoms should the nurse assess the patient for? (Select All that Apply.)

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

Explanation

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A nurse is educating a group of high school students about the damage caused by penetrating traumatic brain injuries.
Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?