A patient exhibits sudden, severe headache and neck stiffness. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Perform a neurologic assessment and evaluate for signs of meningeal irritation.
- B. Measure the patient's blood pressure.
- C. Check the patient's blood glucose levels.
- D. Inspect the patient's throat.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden, severe headache and neck stiffness may indicate meningitis. A neurologic assessment and evaluation for meningeal irritation are critical. Blood pressure, glucose levels, and throat inspection are secondary.
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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.
When comparing a CVA and TIA, the nurse knows this is unique about TIAs:
- A. TIAs have permanent long-term focal deficits
- B. TIAs are intermittent with spontaneous resolution of the neurologic deficit
- C. TIAs are intermittent with permanent motor and sensory deficits
- D. TIAs have permanent long-term neurologic deficits
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are characterized by temporary neurological deficits that resolve spontaneously within 24 hours. Unlike strokes, TIAs do not cause permanent damage but are warning signs of an increased risk for future strokes. Immediate evaluation and intervention are necessary to prevent a full-blown stroke.
The following are true about the pupils:
- A. pupil size is largest in adolescence
- B. physiological anisocoria is found in 20% of the population
- C. the latent period of the pupil reaction to light ranges from 0.2 to 0.5s
- D. all above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pupil size is largest in adolescence and decreases with age. Physiological anisocoria (unequal pupil size) is present in about 20% of the population. The latent period for the pupillary light reflex is typically 0.2 to 0.5 seconds.
When the individual is be unable to recognise everyday objects and name them correctly, this is known as
- A. Prosopagnosia
- B. Anomia
- C. Agnosia
- D. Aphosonomia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Agnosia is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize or identify objects, people, sounds, or shapes, despite having intact sensory abilities. This condition arises from damage to specific areas of the brain responsible for processing sensory information. Agnosia can manifest in various forms, such as visual agnosia (inability to recognize objects) or auditory agnosia (inability to recognize sounds).
Nurse Gray is tasked with caring for Mr. Thompson, a client with Parkinson's disease, and is focused on enhancing his nutritional intake and ensuring safe swallowing. Considering the unique needs of Mr. Thompson, what interventions should Nurse Gray prioritize to facilitate effective swallowing and proper nutrition?
- A. Ensuring the client sits in an upright position while eating.
- B. Providing liquids during meals.
- C. Personally feeding the client.
- D. Encouraging the intake of solid foods.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sitting in an upright position while eating helps prevent aspiration and facilitates safe swallowing in PD patients.