A traumatic brain injury on the brainstem can cause which of the following?
Emotional lability
Personality changes
Diabetes insipidus
Unstable vital signs
The Correct Answer is D
A. Emotional lability (rapid mood swings) can occur with brain injuries, but it is more commonly associated with damage to the frontal lobe, not the brainstem.
B. Personality changes are also more likely to result from damage to the frontal lobe or other areas of the brain responsible for behavior and personality, not the brainstem.
C. Diabetes insipidus can result from brain injury, particularly damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, but it is not a direct consequence of brainstem injury.
D. Unstable vital signs are a common result of damage to the brainstem, which is responsible for regulating autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Damage to the brainstem can lead to life-threatening instability in these vital functions.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Shallow, even respirations may be a normal finding or indicate respiratory distress, but it is not a specific sign of increased ICP. It should still be monitored, but it is not the most concerning finding in this scenario.
B. Narrowing pulse pressure, which is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, is a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). As ICP rises, the body compensates by increasing systolic blood pressure and decreasing diastolic pressure, leading to a narrowing pulse pressure. This is a critical sign that should be reported immediately to the RN.
C. Increased systolic blood pressure is a compensatory mechanism to maintain cerebral perfusion when ICP increases. While it is concerning, it is not as immediately alarming as narrowing pulse pressure, which is a more direct indicator of increased ICP.
D. A pulse of 98 is within normal limits for most adults and does not indicate any immediate concern regarding increased ICP. It should be monitored, but it does not require urgent reporting to the RN.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Delirium is an acute, temporary state of confusion, often caused by factors such as dehydration, infection, or metabolic disturbances. In this case, the elderly client’s confusion following vomiting and not eating or drinking for 2 days suggests that dehydration or an underlying illness is likely causing the delirium.
B. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative condition that leads to chronic memory loss and cognitive decline. It does not typically cause sudden confusion, as seen in this case.
C. Huntington's disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that causes motor dysfunction and cognitive decline. It does not present suddenly with confusion in an elderly client.
D. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects motor function, causing tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. It does not typically present with sudden confusion or the symptoms described in this case.
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