The nurse is assessing the client's pupils following a sports injury. Which assessment finding(s) indicates a neurologic concern? Select all that apply.
- A. Unequal pupils
- B. Pupil reaction quick
- C. Pinpoint pupils
- D. Absence of pupillary response
- E. Pupil reacts to light
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Normal assessment findings include the pupils being equal and reactive to light. Pupils that are unequal, pinpoint in nature, or fail to respond indicate a neurologic impairment.
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Which neurons transmit impulses from the CNS?
- A. Sensory
- B. Neurilemma
- C. Dendrites
- D. Motor
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Neurons are either sensory or motor. Sensory neurons transmit impulses to the CNS; motor neurons transmit impulses from the CNS. A membranous sheath called the neurilemma covers the myelin of axons in peripheral nerves. Dendrites are nerve fibers.
The nurse is performing the physical examination of a client with a suspected neurologic disorder. In addition to assessing other parts of the body, the nurse should assess for neck rigidity. Which method should help the nurse assess for neck rigidity correctly?
- A. Moving the head toward both sides
- B. Lightly tapping the lower portion of the neck to detect sensation
- C. Moving the head and chin toward the chest
- D. Gently pressing the bones on the neck
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The neck is examined for stiffness or abnormal position. The presence of rigidity is assessed by moving the head and chin toward the chest. The nurse should not maneuver the neck if a head or neck injury is suspected or known. The neck should also not be maneuvered if trauma to any part of the body is evident. Moving the head toward the sides or pressing the bones on the neck will not help assess for neck rigidity correctly. While assessing for neck rigidity, sensation at the neck area is not assessed.
The critical care nurse is giving end-of-shift report on a client. The nurse uses the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to assess the level of consciousness (LOC) of a female client and reports to the oncoming nurse that the client has an LOC of 6. What does an LOC score of 6 in a client indicate?
- A. Comatose
- B. Somnolence
- C. Stupor
- D. Normal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The GSC is used to measure the LOC. The scale consists of three parts: eye opening response, best verbal response, and best motor response. A normal response is 15. A score of 7 or less is considered comatose. Therefore, a score of 6 indicates the client is in a state of coma and not in any other state such as stupor or somnolence. The evaluations are recorded on a graphic sheet where connecting lines show an increase or decrease in the LOC.
The nurse collects neurologic data and determines that the client has significant visual deficits. A brain tumor is considered. Which area of the brain does the nurse consider to be most likely to contain the neurologic deficit?
- A. Frontal
- B. Parietal
- C. Occipital
- D. Temporal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The visual receiving area is in the occipital lobe; therefore, this is the area of the brain the nurse determines is affected for the client with significant visual deficits. The frontal lobe contains the written and motor speech areas. The parietal lobe is the primary sensory area of the brain. The temporal lobe is the auditory receiving and association area of the brain, and is responsible for speech comprehension (i.e., Wernicke area).
A client undergoes a scheduled electroencephalogram (EEG). Which post-procedure activity is most appropriate?
- A. Measure the heart and the pulse rate.
- B. Provide the client with caffeine-rich drinks.
- C. Allow the client to wash hair and rest.
- D. Measure the level of consciousness (LOC) of the client.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After an EEG, the nurse should ensure rest for the sleep-deprived client and allow the client to wash hair to remove the glue used to affix electrodes to the scalp. The client is advised not to take sedative drugs and caffeine-related drinks before the EEG; therefore, there is no reason to provide the client with them after the test. The nurse should not measure the LOC, the heart rate, or the pulse rate of the client unless advised by the health care provider.
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