Nokea
A microscopic gap between a pair of adjacent neurons over which nerve impulses pass when going from one neuron to the next is called:
- A. Neurotransmitter
- B. Synapse
- C. Axon
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Synapse is the correct answer because it is the junction between two neurons where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that facilitate this transmission, but the gap itself is called the synapse.
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When assessing a patient's level of consciousness, which response would indicate a decreased level of consciousness?
- A. The patient is drowsy but can be easily aroused.
- B. The patient is alert and oriented.
- C. The patient responds quickly to verbal stimuli.
- D. The patient is fully awake and responsive.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A drowsy patient who can be easily aroused indicates a decreased level of consciousness. Alertness, quick responses, and full wakefulness are normal findings.
Which of these statements about the peripheral nervous system is correct?
- A. The CNs enter the brain through the spinal cord.
- B. Efferent fibers carry sensory input to the central nervous system through the spinal cord.
- C. The peripheral nerves are inside the central nervous system and carry impulses through their motor fibers.
- D. The peripheral nerves carry input to the central nervous system by afferent fibers and away from the central nervous system by efferent fibers.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the peripheral nerves carry sensory input to the central nervous system by afferent fibers and motor commands away from the central nervous system by efferent fibers. This is known as the afferent-efferent division of the peripheral nervous system. Choice A is incorrect because cranial nerves (CNs) enter the brain directly, not through the spinal cord. Choice B is incorrect because efferent fibers carry motor commands away from the central nervous system, not sensory input. Choice C is incorrect because peripheral nerves are outside the central nervous system and do not carry impulses through motor fibers; instead, they carry motor commands through efferent fibers.
The diameter of a motor nerve fibre is
- A. 1-2 micrometre
- B. 3-5 micrometre
- C. 5-12 micrometre
- D. 12-20 micrometre
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Motor nerve fibers, such as alpha motor neurons, typically have a diameter of 12-20 micrometers. Larger diameters allow for faster conduction of action potentials.
Nurse Hernandez is conducting an assessment of a client with Parkinson's disease. During the evaluation, she identifies bradykinesia when she observes the client displaying:
- A. Sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.
- B. Inability to move the limbs.
- C. Tremor that occurs with purposeful movement.
- D. A noticeable reduction in voluntary movements.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement, a hallmark symptom of Parkinson's disease.
At a visit to the provider's office, an older adult patient's partner reports that the patient has nausea, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. He has a history of Alzheimer's disease and is taking donepezil (Aricept). The provider should advise which of the following?
- A. Take the drug with food.
- B. Stop taking the drug right away.
- C. Take a reduced dosage of the drug.
- D. Undergo liver function tests right away.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil commonly cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. This is due to the increase of acetylcholine in all parts of the body, and its subsequent effect on the gastrointestinal tract and other systems of the body. The provider should explain to the patient and his caregiver that taking the drug with food and at bedtime will help minimize uncomfortable gastrointestinal effects. The provider also should instruct the partner to report vomiting, severe diarrhea, weight loss, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as dark stools or coffee-ground emesis, especially if the patient is also taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. At this point, it is not necessary to stop taking the drug, reduce the dosage, or undergo liver function tests.