A patient with diabetes mellitus (DM) developed a serum glucose of 900 and an elevated serum osmolality. The patient then became unconscious. What pathological process most likely caused the altered neurologic status?

The brain cells became edematous because of a blood to tissue shift of fluid.

Hyperinsulinemia caused hypoglycemia and a tonic clonic seizure.

The brain cells became dehydrated because of fluid shirting out of the cells.

Fluid volume overload caused higher pressure in the brain tissue

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. The brain cells became edematous because of a blood to tissue shift of fluid: This describes cerebral edema, which is not typically caused by hyperglycemia.

B. Hyperinsulinemia caused hypoglycemia and a tonic-clonic seizure: The scenario describes hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.

C. The brain cells became dehydrated because of fluid shifting out of the cells:. In hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS), extremely high blood glucose leads to increased serum osmolality, causing water to move out of brain cells, leading to dehydration and altered consciousness.

D. Fluid volume overload caused higher pressure in the brain tissue: Fluid volume overload is not the primary issue in this scenario; rather, dehydration is the concern due to hyperglycemia.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. The disease is prevalent in certain geographical locations: This statement is true but does not explain the etiology of MS. Geographic prevalence does not address the underlying cause.

B. There is a well-defined genetic cause: While genetics may play a role in MS, there is no single well-defined genetic cause for the disease.

C. Inflammatory processes are responsible for the signs and symptoms: MS is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system, leading to the signs and symptoms of the disease.

D. Ischemic lesions in the brain are responsible for the signs and symptoms: MS is primarily caused by demyelination rather than ischemic lesions.

A. Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous return and helps increase the ICP. B. Elevation of the head of the bed aids in maintaining cerebral perfusion. C. Elevation of the head of the bed will increase intracranial pressure (ICP). D. The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat to ensure adequate arterial circulation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous return and helps increase the ICP: This is incorrect. Elevation of the head of the bed helps to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) by promoting venous drainage rather than increasing it.

B. Elevation of the head of the bed aids in maintaining cerebral perfusion: Elevating the head of the bed helps to decrease ICP, which in turn aids in maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion pressure.

C. Elevation of the head of the bed will increase intracranial pressure (ICP): This is incorrect. Elevation of the head of the bed is intended to reduce ICP, not increase it.

D. The nurse should keep the head of the bed flat to ensure adequate arterial circulation: This is incorrect. Keeping the head of the bed flat can increase ICP, which is counterproductive in managing intracranial pressure.

View Question and Answer

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

A patient with diabetes mellitus (DM) developed a serum glucose of 900 and an elevated serum osmolality. The patient then became unconscious. What pathological process most likely caused the altered neurologic status?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which response best explains the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient is admitted to the ED (emergency department) with an intracranial problem. Upon arrival the RN (registered nurse) immediately ensures that the head of the bed is elevated at 35 degrees. Identify the pathophysiological rational for this intervention?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which of the following symptoms might indicate that the patient is now experiencing a thyrotoxic crisis following the diagnosis of Graves' disease?

A patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with a two-hour history of hemiparesis of the right arm and leg. These symptoms spontaneously resolve within 4 hours of her arrival to the emergency department (ED). The nurse will anticipate teaching the patient about

When analyzing laboratory values, for a patient diagnosed with Graves' disease, the nurse would expect to find a

A patient, diagnosed with Addison's disease, is admitted to the emergency department (ED) after spending the day at the lake. The patient is diaphoretic, weak and forgetful. Which intervention would be supportive for these S&S (signs and symptoms)?

A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with Addison's disease. Which clinical manifestations are expected?

A patient is diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Which clinical manifestations are expected?

A clinic nurse asks her patient who suffers from migraine headaches if she experiences an aura before the headache begins. The patient appears confused and asks "What is an aura?". Which statement is true? "An aura

Which response best connects the pathology of myasthenia gravis with its signs and symptoms (S&S)?