Questions Neurological System

Questions Neurological System Related

Review Questions Neurological System related questions and content

A patient is being evaluated for an acute onset of a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, and a change in mental status. Which assessment finding would confirm a definitive diagnosis of meningitis?

  • A. Initial Glasgow Coma Scale score <15
  • B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa on blood culture
  • C. Normal MRI
  • D. White blood cells (WBC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: White blood cells (WBC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In meningitis, an infection of the meninges, the CSF will show an elevated WBC count indicating an inflammatory response. This finding is crucial for confirming the diagnosis as it directly reflects the presence of infection in the central nervous system.

A: While a Glasgow Coma Scale score <15 may indicate altered mental status, it is not specific to meningitis.
B: Pseudomonas aeruginosa on blood culture suggests a bacterial infection but does not confirm meningitis specifically.
C: A normal MRI may not show definitive signs of meningitis, as the diagnosis is primarily made through CSF analysis.

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Which of the following is the most common cause of neonatal meningitis?

  • A. Haemophilus influenzae b
  • B. Streptococcus agalactiae
  • C. Neisseria meningitidis
  • D. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Streptococcus agalactiae. This bacterium is the most common cause of neonatal meningitis due to its ability to colonize the maternal genital tract and be transmitted to the newborn during delivery. It is a leading cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Haemophilus influenzae b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are more commonly associated with meningitis in older children and adults, rather than in neonates. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate answer based on the specific context of neonatal meningitis.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a stroke (brain attack). The patient is unable to understand what the nurse is saying and appears frustrated. What term should the nurse use to document this finding?

  • A. Dysphagia
  • B. Confusion
  • C. Receptive aphasia
  • D. Expressive aphasia
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Receptive aphasia is the inability to understand spoken or written language, often resulting from damage to Wernicke's area in the brain. Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, confusion is disorientation, and expressive aphasia is difficulty communicating verbally. Accurate documentation is essential for planning patient care.

Executive Functions: involve problem-solving, planning, initiative, organising, and they monitor and inhibit complex behaviours. These functions are normally associated with which area of the brain?

  • A. The neocortex.
  • B. The corpus callosum.
  • C. The cerebellum.
  • D. The prefontal cortex.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The prefrontal cortex, located in the frontal lobe of the brain, is primarily responsible for executive functions such as problem-solving, planning, decision-making, and self-regulation. This brain region plays a critical role in coordinating complex cognitive processes and inhibiting inappropriate behaviors. Damage to the prefrontal cortex can result in significant impairments in executive functioning, leading to difficulties in managing daily tasks and adapting to new situations.

The home health nurse is caring for the client newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which client issue is of most importance?

  • A. The client refuses to have a gastrostomy feeding.
  • B. The client wants to discuss if she should tell her fiancé.
  • C. The client tells the nurse life is not worth living anymore
  • D. The client needs the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Expressing feelings of hopelessness or suicidal ideation requires immediate intervention to ensure the client's safety and provide emotional support.

Acetylcholine and norepinephrine act because of their affect on receptors at the ________ membrane.

  • A. axonal
  • B. cell body
  • C. presynaptic
  • D. postsynaptic
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Acetylcholine and norepinephrine exert their effects by binding to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of neurons. When these neurotransmitters bind to their receptors, they trigger changes in the postsynaptic neuron's membrane potential, either exciting or inhibiting the neuron. This interaction is essential for transmitting signals across synapses and enabling communication within the nervous system.

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