Nokea
Do neurons make synapses with other neurons?
- A. No, the only role of neurons is to cause muscles to contract
- B. No, neurons can enervate tissues other than muscle, but there is no need for them to enervate other neurons
- C. Yes, neurons make contacts with other neurons that are identical to those they make with muscle cells
- D. Yes, however, the connections neurons make with each other differ from those they make with muscle cells in that cell-cell adhesion molecules link the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic membranes together
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Neurons form synapses with other neurons to create complex neural circuits. These synapses differ from neuromuscular junctions in their structure and function, often involving specialized cell-cell adhesion molecules and signaling mechanisms that enable precise communication between neurons.
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The cervical sympathetic trunk
- A. Descends from the upper posterior triangle to the first rib
- B. Runs lateral to the vertebral artery
- C. Lies behind the carotid sheath
- D. Lies behind the prevertebral fascia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The cervical sympathetic trunk runs lateral to the vertebral artery and posterior to the carotid sheath. It contains ganglia that provide sympathetic innervation to the head and neck.
Cerebellar function is assessed by which of the following tests?
- A. Muscle size and strength
- B. Cranial nerve examination
- C. Coordination - hop on one foot
- D. Spinothalamic tract
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cerebellar function is assessed by testing coordination, balance, and fine motor skills. Asking the patient to hop on one foot evaluates their balance and coordination, which are controlled by the cerebellum. Muscle size and strength, cranial nerve examination, and the spinothalamic tract are not specific to cerebellar function.
The upper motor neuron impairment produces the following change of muscles tone:
- A. flaccidity
- B. spasticity
- C. "cog wheel" rigidity
- D. myoclonia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spasticity is the correct answer because upper motor neuron lesions typically result in increased muscle tone due to the loss of inhibitory signals from the brain. This leads to hyperreflexia, clonus, and rigidity, which are hallmark signs of spasticity. The condition arises from damage to the corticospinal tract, which disrupts the balance of excitatory and inhibitory inputs to the motor neurons.
Which is the smallest cranial nerve?
- A. olfactory nerve (I)
- B. occulomotor nerve (III)
- C. trochlear nerve (IV)
- D. abducent nerve (VI)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The trochlear nerve (IV) is the smallest cranial nerve. It innervates the superior oblique muscle, which helps control eye movement.
During an assessment, Nurse Johnson observes Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign in a patient. She recognizes these as two classic indicators associated with a specific medical condition. Which disorder is Nurse Johnson likely considering based on these signs?
- A. Parkinson's disease
- B. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
- C. Seizure disorder
- D. Meningitis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign are indicative of meningeal irritation, commonly seen in meningitis.