Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What is the primary cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage?

1. Trauma leading to vessel shearing

2. Aneurysmal rupture

3. Blood clots in the arachnoid space

4. Neoplastic growths in the brain

The correct answer is: Trauma leading to vessel shearing

The primary cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is aneurysmal rupture. This occurs when a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, known as an aneurysm, bursts, causing blood to spill into the subarachnoid space. This type of hemorrhage is particularly significant because it can lead to severe complications, including increased intracranial pressure, vasospasm, and possible permanent neurological deficits or even death if not treated swiftly. While trauma can certainly lead to subarachnoid hemorrhages through vessel shearing, aneurysmal rupture is the most common non-traumatic cause. Blood clots in the arachnoid space and neoplastic growths in the brain are less directly associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage; rather, they can be more instrumental in other forms of bleeding or complications within the central nervous system. Aneurysmal rupture accounts for the majority of cases seen in both clinical and research settings, making it essential for healthcare professionals to prioritize early detection and management of cerebral aneurysms to prevent rupture and subsequent hemorrhage.