Practice Question
Which statement describes a brain herniation?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Pressure inside the skull pushes the brain stem through the foramen magnum
Rationale:
🧠 Brain herniation occurs when increased intracranial pressure (ICP) causes brain tissue to shift from its normal position, pushing it through openings in the rigid structures of the skull, most critically the foramen magnum at the base.
🧠 This displacement compresses vital centers in the brainstem, leading to respiratory arrest, loss of consciousness, and death if not immediately corrected.
🧠 Common causes include traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage, tumor, or cerebral edema, all of which raise intracranial pressure.
🧠 Early signs of herniation include changes in level of consciousness, pupil dilation, and abnormal posturing (decerebrate or decorticate).
🧠 This is a neurological emergency that requires immediate interventions to reduce ICP and prevent irreversible brain damage.
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This question is from Examplify W6 NR283 Exam 2 which contains 63 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4