Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What can cause nerve damage as identified in the content?

1. Exposure to cold temperatures

2. Hyperglycemia

3. Smoking tobacco

4. Excessive exercise

The correct answer is: Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia, which refers to elevated blood glucose levels commonly associated with diabetes, can lead to nerve damage through a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Chronic exposure to high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves, particularly those in the extremities, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. This condition arises because excess glucose can disrupt normal nerve functioning and damage the blood vessels that supply the nerves, leading to reduced nerve health and function over time. While cold exposure, smoking tobacco, and excessive exercise can have various negative health effects, they do not have the same direct and well-established relationship with chronic nerve damage as hyperglycemia does. Cold temperatures can cause temporary effects and injury, smoking has been associated with various circulatory issues, and excessive exercise might lead to acute injuries, but none lead to the chronic and systemic nerve damage that is characteristic of prolonged high blood sugar levels.