Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient who has abused alcohol for many years. On assessment, the nurse ... (Read 53 times)

jazziefee · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient who has abused alcohol for many years. On assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has alterations in movement coordination. This suggests that which area of the brain is likely damaged due to the patient's long-term

use of alcohol?
1. Hippocampus
2. Cerebellum
3. Cerebral cortex
4. Frontal lobe

Question 2

Ten hours after admission to the ICU following an auto accident, a patient begins to exhibit mild tachycardia, irritability, and tremors. Three hours later the patient has a grand mal seizure. Which condition does the nurse suspect?

1. Wernicke encephalopathy
2. Korsakoff syndrome
3. Undetected internal bleeding
4. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

6ana001 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2
Explanation: Various areas of the brain, including the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex, are more susceptible to damage from alcohol. The patient who is experiencing alterations in movement coordination likely has damage to the cerebellum. Patients with damage to the hippocampus would likely present with impaired memory and learning. Damage to the cerebral cortex would manifest in difficulties with problem solving and decision making. The frontal lobe of the brain is not especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4
Explanation: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is marked by mild tachycardia, irritability, and tremors. Korsakoff syndrome is a disturbance in short-term memory that occurs in individuals who have been drinking for many years. Wernicke encephalopathy is a neurologic disease characterized by ataxia, sixth cranial nerve palsy, nystagmus, and confusion. An undetected internal hemorrhage would not present with the symptoms outlined.