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A patient who is severely brain damaged has decerebrate posturing with extended extremities. In which area of the brain should the nurse suspect the patient has sustained damage?
- A. Cerebrum
- B. Brain stem
- C. Cerebellum
- D. Hypothalamus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decerebrate posturing, characterized by extended extremities, indicates damage to the brainstem, particularly the midbrain or pons. The cerebrum, cerebellum, and hypothalamus are not directly associated with this type of posturing. Recognizing decerebrate posturing is critical for assessing the severity of brain injury.
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How do spinal nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) differ from cranial nerves (CNs)?
- A. Only spinal nerves occur in pairs.
- B. CNs affect only the sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.
- C. Cell bodies of all CNs are located in the brain whereas cell bodies of spinal nerves are located in the spinal cord.
- D. All spinal nerves contain both afferent sensory and efferent motor fibers whereas CNs contain one or the other or both.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spinal nerves always contain both sensory and motor fibers, while cranial nerves can vary.
Nurse Cooper is preparing a teaching plan for a client who has started taking levodopa for Parkinson's disease. She plans to educate the client about common side effects associated with this medication. Which side effect should Nurse Cooper include in her teaching plan?
- A. Postural hypotension
- B. Development of a peptic ulcer
- C. Experiencing significant weight loss
- D. Occurrence of pancytopenia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Postural hypotension is a common side effect of levodopa, requiring patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent falls.
Sitting relaxed and facing you, have your patient perform the following sequence of activities: With arms outstretched, alternately bring in each hand and touch the tip of each index finger to his nose. Next, have the patient rapidly alternate patting his knees with the palmer , then the dorsal aspects of his hands. Finally, have the patient rapidly extend and tap his foot against your hand. Which component of the neurological exam are you assessing?
- A. Sensory function
- B. Cerebellar function
- C. Cranial nerves
- D. Mental status
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: These activities assess cerebellar function, which includes coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. Sensory function, cranial nerves, and mental status are evaluated through different tests, such as pinprick sensation, cranial nerve examination, and cognitive assessments.
A neuron with a cell body located in the CNS whose primary function is connecting other neurons is called a(n):
- A. efferent neuron
- B. afferent neuron
- C. interneuron
- D. glial cell
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Interneurons are neurons located entirely within the CNS that connect other neurons. Efferent neurons transmit signals from the CNS to effectors, afferent neurons transmit signals from receptors to the CNS, and glial cells and satellite cells are supportive cells. Thus, C is the correct answer.
An elderly client has undergone electromyography tests to evaluate muscle weakness and deterioration. The client complains of slight pain after the tests. Which of the following nursing interventions would help relieve the client's discomfort?
- A. Administering topical analgesics to the area where the needle electrodes were inserted
- B. Massaging the area where the needle electrodes were inserted
- C. Applying a cold pack to the area where the needle electrodes were inserted
- D. Applying warm compresses to the area where the needle electrodes were inserted
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cold packs can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, relieving discomfort.