Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What classic triad is associated with brain abscesses?

1. Severe headache, nausea, vomiting

2. Fever, focal neurological abnormalities, and increased intracranial pressure

3. Dizziness, tinnitus, and gait disturbance

4. Confusion, lethargy, and seizures

The correct answer is: Fever, focal neurological abnormalities, and increased intracranial pressure

The classic triad associated with brain abscesses includes fever, focal neurological abnormalities, and increased intracranial pressure. This triad is significant as it helps healthcare professionals quickly recognize and diagnose brain abscesses, which are localized collections of pus within the brain tissue usually due to infection. Fever is indicative of the body's response to infection. Focal neurological abnormalities may present as weakness, sensory loss, or changes in vision depending on the location of the abscess in the brain. Increased intracranial pressure often manifests as headaches, nausea, vomiting, or altered consciousness, which are critical signs that require immediate attention. Understanding this triad allows nurses and other healthcare providers to assess patients more effectively, guiding them toward appropriate imaging studies and treatment decisions. This triad highlights the complex interplay of systemic infection and neurological function, which is essential for ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.