Question 1

To what does the neural synapse refer?

Accepted Answer

A)   Length of time it takes for afferent neurons to carry impulses to the central nervous system (CNS) 
B)   Length of time it takes for efferent neurons to carry impulses to the motor neurons
C)   Space between the axons and the dendrites of a neuron
D)   Space between the axons of one neuron and the dendrites of the next D

Question 2

What should be immediately reported by the nurse caring for a 90-year-old patient with a closed head injury?

Accepted Answer

A)   Blood pressure change from 147/72 to 176/70-mm Hg
B)   Respiration rate increase from 14 to 18 breaths/min
C)   Slow pupillary reaction bilaterally
D)   Temperature decrease from 100.2 °\degree°  F to 97.6 °\degree°  F  A

Question 3

The nurse conducting a Romberg test will ask the patient to do what? ______ (Arrange in the correct sequence.Do not separate answers with a space or punctuation.Example: ABCD.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Touch his or her nose with the index finger with the eyes open.
B)  Stand with eyes closed.
C)  Touch his or her nose with the index finger with the eyes closed.
D)  Touch his or her fingertip to nurse's fingertip.
E)  Pat the knees with the palms and then the back of the hands rapidly. B,E,D,A,C

Question 4

Which assessment on a patient on mannitol therapy for cerebral edema indicates the medication is effective in decreasing ICP?

Accepted Answer

A)   Increased BP
B)   Increased urinary output
C)   Decreased pulse
D)   Widening pulse pressure

Question 5

A patient is stuporous but reacts by withdrawing from painful stimuli.What term is most appropriate for this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Comatose
B)   Lethargic
C)   Semicomatose
D)   Somnolent

Question 6

Which three symptoms are characteristic of Cushing triad associated with increased ICP?

Accepted Answer

A)   Hypotension, tachycardia, and narrowing pulse pressure
B)   Hypertension, tachycardia, and headache
C)   Widening pulse pressure, headache, and seizure
D)   Bradycardia, hypertension, and widening pulse pressure

Question 7

What is the most reliable indicator of neurologic status?

Accepted Answer

A)   Blood pressure
B)   Pulse rate
C)   Temperature
D)   Level of consciousness

Question 8

How can the nurse help reduce ICP in caring for the patient after a craniotomy?

Accepted Answer

A)   Keeping the patient flat in bed
B)   Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees
C)   Closely monitoring the IV rate
D)   Turning the patient to the right side

Question 9

Which are normal brain alterations associated with age? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Decrease in brain weight
B)   Pigmentation of brain with lipofuscin
C)   Present of amyloid
D)   Tiny clot formation
E)   Tangled nerve fibers

Question 10

An older adult patient is experiencing extreme stress related to an admission to the hospital.What should the nurse expect the patient to demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

A)   Decreased heart rate
B)   Decreased blood pressure (BP) 
C)   Irregular respiration
D)   Dilation of the pupils

Question 11

Which describes the Babinski reflex?

Accepted Answer

A)   Downward curl of the toes
B)   Big toe bending upward
C)   Spreading out of the toes
D)   Pain in the big toe

Question 12

Which neurologic finding would be considered abnormal in an 88-year-old patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Slow papillary response to light
B)   Jerky eye movements
C)   Dizziness and problems with balance
D)   Absence of the Achilles tendon jerk

Question 13

Which neurotransmitters support smooth neural transmission? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Acetylcholine
B)   CSF
C)   Dopamine
D)   Dendrite
E)   Epinephrine

Question 14

What diagnostic test might be contraindicated for a patient who has a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

A)   Computed tomography (CT) 
B)   Electromyography (EMG) 
C)   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 
D)   Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 15

The nurse assessing the level of consciousness in a patient will perform the following: ______ (Arrange in order from the simplest to the most complex.Do not separate answers with a space or punctuation.Example: ABCD.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Apply pressure to the nail bed.
B)  Shake the patient.
C)  Touch the patient.
D)  Call the patient's name.
E)  Approach the patient.

Question 16

What should a nurse instruct a patient after a lumbar puncture to prevent a headache?

Accepted Answer

A)   Lie flat.
B)   Lie on left side.
C)   Stay in semi-Fowler position.
D)   Ambulate in the room with assistance.

Question 17

A patient with a severe head injury begins to assume a posture of flexed upper extremities, with plantarflexed lower extremities.What do these assessments indicate?

Accepted Answer

A)   Increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) with decorticate posturing
B)   Decreasing ICP with decerebrate posturing
C)   Decreasing ICP with decorticate posturing
D)   Increasing ICP with decerebrate posturing

Question 18

What should the nurse assess when a patient is scheduled for an angiogram?

Accepted Answer

A)   Dizziness
B)   Allergy to shrimp
C)   Increased BP
D)   Irregular heartbeat

Exam 21: Neurologic System Introduction