Nokea
The nurse is assisting a neurologist with assessment of a patient with facial muscle weakness. When the neurologist asks the patient to identify different odors, which nerve is being tested?
- A. II (optic)
- B. X (vagus)
- C. I (olfactory)
- D. VIII (acoustic)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cranial nerve I (olfactory) is responsible for the sense of smell and is tested when a patient is asked to identify odors. Cranial nerves II, VIII, and X are involved in vision, hearing, and autonomic functions, respectively. Assessing the olfactory nerve is important for evaluating cranial nerve function.
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The elevated ridges of tissue on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres are known as ______ while the shallow grooves are termed ______.
- A. sulci; gyri
- B. gyri; sulci
- C. ganglia; gyri
- D. tracts; ganglia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The elevated ridges on the cerebral hemispheres are called gyri, and the shallow grooves are called sulci. Ganglia, tracts, receptors, and effectors are unrelated to these structures. Thus, B is the correct answer.
Which gland is often abnormal in patients with myasthenia gravis?
- A. thymus gland
- B. thyroid gland
- C. adrenal gland
- D. pituitary gland
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The thymus gland, which plays a role in immune system development, is often abnormal in patients with myasthenia gravis. Thymic hyperplasia or thymoma is commonly associated with the condition, and thymectomy (surgical removal of the thymus) can improve symptoms in some cases.
When assessing a patient's level of consciousness, which response would indicate a decreased level of consciousness?
- A. The patient is drowsy but can be easily aroused.
- B. The patient is alert and oriented.
- C. The patient responds quickly to verbal stimuli.
- D. The patient is fully awake and responsive.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A drowsy patient who can be easily aroused indicates a decreased level of consciousness. Alertness, quick responses, and full wakefulness are normal findings.
When comparing a CVA and TIA, the nurse knows this is unique about TIAs:
- A. TIAs have permanent long-term focal deficits
- B. TIAs are intermittent with spontaneous resolution of the neurologic deficit
- C. TIAs are intermittent with permanent motor and sensory deficits
- D. TIAs have permanent long-term neurologic deficits
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are characterized by temporary neurological deficits that resolve spontaneously within 24 hours. Unlike strokes, TIAs do not cause permanent damage but are warning signs of an increased risk for future strokes. Immediate evaluation and intervention are necessary to prevent a full-blown stroke.
The intracranial pressure is decreased by:
- A. intravenous mannitol
- B. placing the patient in a head-up position
- C. hyperventilation
- D. all above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intracranial pressure (ICP) can be reduced by intravenous mannitol (an osmotic diuretic), placing the patient in a head-up position (to improve venous drainage), and hyperventilation (which reduces CO2 levels and causes cerebral vasoconstriction). All these methods are clinically used to manage elevated ICP.