Nurse Taylor is about to conduct an initial assessment on Mrs. Bennett, a 62-year-old woman admitted with Parkinson's Disease. As part of her preparation, Nurse Taylor reviews the etiology of Parkinson's disease, especially considering its typical onset between 50-60 years of age. What should Nurse Taylor understand as the primary cause of Parkinson's Disease?
- A. The natural death of brain cells due to aging.
- B. Genetic or hereditary factors.
- C. Exposure to injurious chemical substances.
- D. Dysfunction of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra of the brain.
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Which of these diseases results in meningitis caused by an encapsulated yeast?
- A. cryptococcosis
- B. histoplasmosis
- C. candidiasis
- D. coccidiomycosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: cryptococcosis. The encapsulated yeast causing meningitis in this disease is Cryptococcus neoformans. This yeast has a unique capsule that allows it to evade the host immune system, leading to meningitis. Histoplasmosis (B) is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which is not encapsulated. Candidiasis (C) is caused by Candida species, which are not encapsulated yeasts. Coccidiomycosis (D) is caused by Coccidioides species, which are dimorphic fungi and not encapsulated yeasts.
Which of the following signs is present in a client with meningitis and is described as the inability to extend the leg when the thigh is flexed on the abdomen?
- A. Opisthotonos
- B. Positive Brudzinski's sign
- C. Positive Kernig's sign
- D. Nuchal rigidity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Kernig's sign is characterized by this specific limitation in leg extension.
The presence of Bell's palsy suggests damage to the following cranial nerve:
- A. facial
- B. optic
- C. olfactory
- D. vestibular
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Facial nerve is the correct answer because Bell's palsy is a condition characterized by the sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face due to inflammation or damage to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This results in symptoms such as drooping of the mouth, inability to close the eye, and loss of facial expression.
With regards to the spinal cord blood supply
- A. There are two anterior spinal arteries
- B. The anterior spinal artery arises form the vertebral artery
- C. The posterior spinal artery is singular
- D. The posterior spinal artery arises from the posterior superior cerebellar
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The anterior spinal artery arises from the vertebral artery and supplies the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord. The posterior spinal arteries are paired and supply the posterior third.
A client is admitted with a head injury. To monitor hypothalamic function, the nurse should monitor what parameters?
- A. Temp and urinary output
- B. Gastric aspirate and BP
- C. Heart rate and pupillary responses
- D. Respiratory rate and skin integrity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The hypothalamus regulates body temperature and fluid balance, making temperature and urinary output key parameters to monitor in head injury patients. Hypothalamic dysfunction can lead to disorders like diabetes insipidus or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), affecting fluid balance and temperature regulation.