A patient exhibiting an uncoordinated gait has presented at the clinic. Which of the following is the most plausible cause of this patients health problem?
- A. Cerebellar dysfunction
- B. A lesion in the pons
- C. Dysfunction of the medulla
- D. A hemorrhage in the midbrain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The cerebellum coordinates movement and balance, so dysfunction causes uncoordinated gait. Pons, medulla, and midbrain lesions affect other functions like respiration or eye movement.
You may also like to solve these questions
The patient in the ED has just had a diagnostic lumbar puncture. To reduce the incidence of a postlumbar puncture headache, what is the nurses most appropriate action?
- A. Position the patient prone.
- B. Position the patient supine with the head of bed flat.
- C. Position the patient left side-lying.
- D. Administer acetaminophen as ordered.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Prone positioning after lumbar puncture minimizes cerebrospinal fluid leakage, reducing headache risk. Supine or side-lying positions are less effective, and acetaminophen is not a preventive measure.
A patient in the OR goes into malignant hyperthermia due to an abnormal reaction to the anesthetic. The nurse knows that the area of the brain that regulates body temperature is which of the following?
- A. Cerebellum
- B. Thalamus
- C. Hypothalamus
- D. Midbrain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The hypothalamus regulates body temperature via vasoconstriction or vasodilatation. The cerebellum, thalamus, and midbrain do not directly control temperature.
The nurse is admitting a patient to the unit who is diagnosed with a lower motor neuron lesion. What entry in the patients electronic record is most consistent with this diagnosis?
- A. Patient exhibits increased muscle tone.
- B. Patient demonstrates normal muscle structure with no evidence of atrophy.
- C. Patient demonstrates hyperactive deep tendon reflexes.
- D. Patient demonstrates an absence of deep tendon reflexes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lower motor neuron lesions result in flaccid paralysis, muscle atrophy, and absent deep tendon reflexes due to disrupted nerve supply to muscles. Increased tone and hyperactive reflexes indicate upper motor neuron issues.
A trauma patient in the ICU has been declared brain dead. What diagnostic test is used in making the determination of brain death?
- A. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- B. Electroencephalography (EEG)
- C. Electromyelography (EMG)
- D. Computed tomography (CT)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: EEG confirms brain death by showing no electrical activity. MRI, CT, and EMG are not standard for this determination.
A patient is scheduled for CT scanning of the head because of recent onset of neurologic deficits. What should the nurse tell the patient in preparation for this test?
- A. No metal objects can enter the procedure room.
- B. You need to fast for 8 hours prior to the test.
- C. You will need to lie still throughout the procedure.
- D. There will be a lot of noise during the test.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lying still during a CT scan ensures clear images. Metal and noise concerns apply to MRI, and fasting is not required for a head CT.
Nokea