A previously healthy, young adult had cardiopulmonary arrest during a football game and died. The nurse knows which explanation is the most likely cause of death?

Formation of a clot in the middle cerebral artery

Obstruction of left ventricular blood flow and cardiac dysrhythmias

Fluid volume overload and decreased serum potassium levels

Diffuse atherosclerosis in the left main coronary artery circulation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Formation of a clot in the middle cerebral artery is not the most likely cause of death because it is a condition that affects the brain, not the heart. A clot in the middle cerebral artery can cause a stroke, which is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in brain damage and neurological deficits. A stroke can be fatal, but it does not usually cause cardiopulmonary arrest, which is a sudden cessation of heart and lung function.

Choice B reason: Obstruction of left ventricular blood flow and cardiac dysrhythmias is the most likely cause of death because it is a condition that affects the heart, which is the organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Obstruction of left ventricular blood flow can be caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a genetic disorder that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick and stiff, reducing the amount of blood that the heart can pump. Cardiac dysrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can interfere with the electrical signals that control the heart's contractions. Both conditions can lead to sudden cardiac death, which is a sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest.

Choice C reason: Fluid volume overload and decreased serum potassium levels are not the most likely cause of death because they are conditions that affect the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body, not the heart. Fluid volume overload is a condition where the body retains too much fluid, which can cause edema, hypertension, and heart failure. Decreased serum potassium levels are a condition where the blood has too little potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps regulate the nerve and muscle function, including the heart. Both conditions can affect the heart function, but they are not usually the direct cause of cardiopulmonary arrest.

Choice D reason: Diffuse atherosclerosis in the left main coronary artery circulation is not the most likely cause of death because it is a condition that affects the blood vessels, not the heart. Atherosclerosis is a disease that causes the buildup of plaque, which is a fatty substance, in the walls of the arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the organs. Diffuse atherosclerosis in the left main coronary artery circulation means that the plaque affects the entire length of the artery that supplies blood to the left side of the heart, which is the side that pumps blood to the rest of the body. Atherosclerosis can cause coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the heart does not receive enough blood and oxygen, leading to chest pain, angina, or heart attack. A heart attack can cause cardiopulmonary arrest, but it is not as common as sudden cardiac death in young adults.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Muscle weakness and motor seizures are not the most serious complication because they are signs of electrolyte imbalance, not urinary tract infection. Electrolyte imbalance is a condition where the levels of minerals and salts in the blood are too high or too low, which can affect the nerve and muscle function, causing symptoms such as weakness, spasms, or seizures. Electrolyte imbalance can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, kidney failure, or medications.

Choice B reason: Upper abdominal pain and cramping are not the most serious complication because they are signs of gastritis, not urinary tract infection. Gastritis is a condition where the lining of the stomach is inflamed, causing symptoms such as pain, nausea, or vomiting. Gastritis can be caused by various factors, such as infections, stress, or medications.

Choice C reason: Confusion and agitation are the most serious complication because they are signs of sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to an infection causes widespread inflammation and organ damage. Sepsis can be caused by various types of infections, including urinary tract infection, which is an infection that affects the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Sepsis can cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, fever, chills, or shock.

Choice D reason: Periorbital edema and cardiac dysrhythmias are not the most serious complication because they are signs of heart failure, not urinary tract infection. Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, causing symptoms such as swelling, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. Heart failure can be caused by various factors, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or diabetes.

A. Thrombosis of the small blood vessels in the substantia nigra. B. Increased acetylcholine levels and cholinergic activity in the brain. C. Cell-mediated immune response and muscle fiber damage. D. Increased production of dopamine in the motor cortex.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A:
Thrombosis of the small blood vessels in the substantia nigra is the best explanation for the clinical manifestations observed in the patient. The substantia nigra is an area in the brain responsible for producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in motor control. Thrombosis, or the formation of blood clots, in the small blood vessels of the substantia nigra can lead to a decrease in dopamine production, resulting in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Choice B:
Increased acetylcholine levels and cholinergic activity in the brain are not the primary factors causing the manifestations of Parkinson's disease. In fact, Parkinson's disease is characterized by a decrease in dopamine levels, not an increase in acetylcholine.

Choice C:
Cell-mediated immune response and muscle fiber damage are not the main mechanisms underlying the clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease. While inflammation and immune responses may play a role in the progression of the disease, they are not the primary cause of the symptoms observed.

Choice D:
Increased production of dopamine in the motor cortex is not the cause of the symptoms in Parkinson's disease. In fact, patients with Parkinson's disease experience a decrease in dopamine production due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.

Overall, the most plausible explanation for the patient's clinical manifestations is thrombosis of the small blood vessels in the substantia nigra, leading to a decrease in dopamine production.

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A previously healthy, young adult had cardiopulmonary arrest during a football game and died. The nurse knows which explanation is the most likely cause of death?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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