Practice Question
Which findings in this client's health history should the nurse associate with an increased risk for neurological impairment? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Hypertension
Rationale:
Hypertension
✨ Hypertension is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
✨ Chronic high blood pressure damages cerebral blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, vessel weakening, and risk of rupture or blockage.
✨ Poorly controlled hypertension increases the likelihood of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and progressive neurologic decline.
✨ Nurses should always view hypertension as a major contributor to neurologic impairment, particularly cerebrovascular disease.
✨ Therefore, a history of hypertension clearly correlates with increased risk of neurologic complications.
Diabetes with elevated A1C
✨ Diabetes with elevated A1C indicates chronic hyperglycemia, which contributes to microvascular and macrovascular damage in the brain.
✨ This damage accelerates atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of ischemic stroke and vascular cognitive impairment.
✨ Poor glucose control is associated with neuropathy, retinopathy, and increased risk of cerebral ischemia.
✨ Elevated A1C shows that blood sugar has been consistently above target, magnifying long-term neurologic risk.
✨ Thus, diabetes with poor control is strongly linked to increased risk for neurologic impairment.
Cataracts
✨ Cataracts are an age-related clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to visual impairment, not primary neurologic disease.
✨ While they affect sight and safety, they do not directly cause central nervous system impairment or stroke.
✨ Cataracts are considered an ocular problem, not a cerebrovascular or neurologic risk factor.
✨ Removal of cataracts often improves function without changing underlying brain health.
✨ Therefore, cataracts are not directly associated with increased risk of neurologic impairment in the same way as hypertension or diabetes.
Decrease in hearing functioning with age
✨ Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a common sensory deficit, but it is not a primary cause of stroke or central neurologic injury.
✨ Although hearing loss may impact communication and social engagement, it is not listed as a major vascular neurologic risk factor.
✨ It can sometimes be confused with cognitive decline, yet the underlying problem is typically peripheral or cochlear rather than cerebral.
✨ Nurses should address hearing loss for safety and quality of life, but it is not in the same risk category as hypertension or uncontrolled diabetes.
✨ Thus, decreased hearing with age is not a main risk factor for neurologic impairment like stroke.
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This question is from Examplify NR304 Quiz 3 BSNOL NOV25 which contains 10 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
Which of the following is not an anticipated finding for a client that experienced a stroke?
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The nurse is assessing the client. Which findings are indicative of the need for further neurological assessment? (Select all that apply.)
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Which outcome is most appropriate for a client being discharged to a long-term care facility after a stroke?
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A nurse has four clients who have all had a stroke. Which of the clients should the nurse see first?
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Which of the following assessment findings can be related to chronic stress?
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Health Assessment
- Answer Choices: 4