Nokea
The nurse is planning the care of a patient with Parkinsons disease. The nurse should be aware that treatment will focus on what pathophysiological phenomenon?
- A. Premature degradation of acetylcholine
- B. Decreased availability of dopamine
- C. Insufficient synthesis of epinephrine
- D. Delayed reuptake of serotonin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Parkinsons disease results from reduced dopamine availability in the basal ganglia, impacting movement. Other neurotransmitters listed are not primarily involved.
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What term is used to describe the fibrous connective tissue that hugs the brain closely and extends into every fold of the brains surface?
- A. Dura mater
- B. Arachnoid
- C. Fascia
- D. Pia mater
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The pia mater is the innermost meningeal layer, closely adhering to the brain's surface and following its contours. Dura mater is the outermost layer, arachnoid is the middle layer, and fascia is not a meningeal structure.
A patient exhibiting an uncoordinated gait has presented at the clinic. Which of the following is the most plausible cause of this patients health problem?
- A. Cerebellar dysfunction
- B. A lesion in the pons
- C. Dysfunction of the medulla
- D. A hemorrhage in the midbrain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The cerebellum coordinates movement and balance, so dysfunction causes uncoordinated gait. Pons, medulla, and midbrain lesions affect other functions like respiration or eye movement.
The nurse educator is reviewing the assessment of cranial nerves. What should the educator identify as the specific instances when cranial nerves should be assessed? Select all that apply.
- A. When a neurogenic bladder develops
- B. When level of consciousness is decreased
- C. With brain stem pathology
- D. In the presence of peripheral nervous system disease
- E. When a spinal reflex is interrupted
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Cranial nerve assessment is indicated for altered consciousness, brain stem issues, or peripheral nervous system disease. Neurogenic bladder and spinal reflexes involve spinal, not cranial, nerves.
The nurse is caring for a patient with an upper motor neuron lesion. What clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate when planning the patients neurologic assessment?
- A. Decreased muscle tone
- B. Flaccid paralysis
- C. Loss of voluntary control of movement
- D. Slow reflexes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Upper motor neuron lesions cause spasticity and loss of voluntary movement control due to disrupted corticospinal signals. Decreased tone, flaccid paralysis, and slow reflexes are typical of lower motor neuron lesions.
A 72-year-old man has been brought to his primary care provider by his daughter, who claims that he has been experiencing uncharacteristic lapses in memory. What principle should underlie the nurses assessment and management of this patient?
- A. Loss of short-term memory is normal in older adults, but loss of long-term memory is pathologic.
- B. Lapses in memory in older adults are considered benign unless they have negative consequences.
- C. Gradual increases in confusion accompany the aging process.
- D. Thorough assessment is necessary because changes in cognition are always considered to be pathologic.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cognitive changes in older adults are not assumed normal and require thorough assessment to rule out pathology like dementia. Memory and judgment typically remain intact with aging.