Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What should a nurse suspect if a patient develops acute confusion after a fall?

1. Cerebral hemorrhage

2. Alcohol intoxication

3. Hypokalemia

4. Ischemia

The correct answer is: Cerebral hemorrhage

When a patient develops acute confusion after experiencing a fall, it is crucial to consider possible causes related to trauma that may affect the brain. Acute confusion can be indicative of underlying neurological issues, particularly following an injury. A cerebral hemorrhage, which involves bleeding in the brain, can arise from the impact of a fall. This bleeding can create pressure on surrounding brain tissue or disrupt normal cerebral function, leading to symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status. In older adults or those with certain medical conditions, a minor fall can cause significant injury, making the suspicion of a cerebral hemorrhage essential in assessing the status of the patient. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical, as this condition can lead to severe complications if not addressed quickly. While other options, such as alcohol intoxication or hypokalemia, may also lead to confusion, they are typically less directly associated with acute confusion following a fall. Ischemia, which refers to reduced blood flow to the brain, might also contribute to confusion, but in the immediate context of a fall, the priority should be to rule out acute traumatic brain injury, highlighting the importance of suspecting cerebral hemorrhage in this scenario.