Nokea
Mr. K., aged 60 years, has a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack. An essential aspect of his history that needs to be documented is
- A. sudden, brief loss of sensory, motor, or visual function
- B. determining if he has any allergies
- C. any history of neurologic disease
- D. his medication history, both prescribed and over-the-counter
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden neurological deficits are hallmark symptoms of TIA.
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Which part of the brain has a blood-brain barrier?
- A. anterior pituitary
- B. posterior pituitary
- C. pineal body
- D. area postrema of the fourth ventricle
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The area postrema of the fourth ventricle lacks a blood-brain barrier, allowing it to detect toxins in the blood and trigger vomiting. Other regions listed, such as the anterior pituitary and pineal body, have a blood-brain barrier.
Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of Parkinson disease?
- A. Multiple foci of nerve degeneration throughout brain and spinal cord
- B. Decreased secretion of acetylcholine at myoneural junctions
- C. Atrophy of voluntary muscles
- D. Destruction of nerve cells of the basal ganglia of the brain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Parkinson's disease involves destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia.
When assessing a patient for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), the nurse should look for:
- A. Changes in level of consciousness, headache, and vomiting.
- B. Normal pupil size and reaction.
- C. Absence of nausea or vomiting.
- D. Clear and coordinated movements.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is associated with changes in consciousness, headache, and vomiting. Normal pupil size, absence of nausea, and clear movements are not indicative of ICP.
Nurse Carter observes that Mr. Adams, a 73-year-old patient in her care, has a distinctive shuffling walk as he moves down the hallway. Recognizing this unique pattern, Nurse Carter reflects on which neurological condition is typically associated with such a gait. Which disease should Nurse Carter associate with a shuffling gait?
- A. Raynaud's disease
- B. Multiple sclerosis
- C. Myasthenia gravis
- D. Parkinson's disease
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A shuffling gait is a hallmark feature of Parkinson's disease, caused by bradykinesia and postural instability.
The nurse is reviewing the results of a patient's diagnostic tests which show changes in nerve insulation. What structure should the nurse explain to the patient that electrically insulates neurons?
- A. Astrocytes
- B. Gray matter
- C. Interneurons
- D. Myelin sheath
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The myelin sheath is a phospholipid layer that electrically insulates neurons, allowing for faster transmission of nerve impulses. Astrocytes are a type of neuroglial cell, gray matter contains cell bodies, and interneurons facilitate communication within the central nervous system. The myelin sheath's role in nerve function is critical for understanding neurological disorders.