Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What are the neuropathologic consequences associated with hemorrhage in the germinal matrix?

1. damage to periventricular white matter

2. dilation of germinal matrix

3. aqueductal stenosis

4. cerebral hypoplasia

The correct answer is: damage to periventricular white matter

The neuropathologic consequences associated with hemorrhage in the germinal matrix primarily involve damage to the periventricular white matter. This damage occurs because the germinal matrix, which is a region of proliferating neuroblasts, is located close to the ventricles. When hemorrhage occurs in this area, it can disrupt nearby structures, particularly the periventricular white matter. The periventricular white matter is crucial for the development of motor and cognitive functions as it contains the myelinated axons that transmit signals between different regions of the brain. After an intraventricular hemorrhage, the resulting edema and inflammatory processes can lead to injury and necrosis of the periventricular white matter. This damage can have long-term consequences, including motor deficits and cognitive impairments in affected infants. The other options listed do not represent the primary or direct consequences of germinal matrix hemorrhage. Dilation of the germinal matrix may occur but is more of a secondary effect rather than a direct pathological consequence. Aqueductal stenosis is a condition involving the narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct, which can occur due to various reasons but is not a direct result of hemorrhage in the germinal matrix. Cerebral hypoplasia