What are the two major physical changes in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease?
- A. aluminum deposition and edema
- B. amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
- C. amyloid plaques and hypertrophy
- D. calcification and hypertrophy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques (abnormal protein deposits) and neurofibrillary tangles (twisted fibers of tau protein) in the brain. These changes disrupt neuronal communication and lead to cognitive decline.
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Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage need to be observed for signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. During the compensatory phase of increased intracranial pressure an initial change in vital signs includes
- A. Cheyne-Stokes respiration
- B. an increase in pupil size
- C. a rapid irregular pulse
- D. an increase in systemic blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Increased blood pressure is a compensatory mechanism for raised intracranial pressure.
Neurotransmitters carry signals across the ________ ________.
- A. refractory gap
- B. axonal gap
- C. synaptic gap
- D. hippocampal gap
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neurotransmitters carry signals across the synaptic gap, also known as the synaptic cleft, which is the small space between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite of another. When an action potential reaches the terminal button, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, facilitating communication between neurons. This process is essential for neural signaling and brain function.
A patient receives spinal anesthesia with lidocaine (Xylocaine) and epinephrine (Adrenalin). You explain that epinephrine is used with lidocaine for which of the following reasons?
- A. Decreases the risk for a spinal headache
- B. Reduces the risk for infection
- C. Prolongs the anesthetic effects
- D. Prevents respiratory depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Injecting epinephrine with lidocaine for local or regional anesthesia extends the duration of the regional anesthesia. Epinephrine will not
Which layer of the uterus is shed during menstruation?
- A. Perimetrium
- B. Myometrium
- C. Endometrium
- D. Ectometrium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The endometrium is the correct answer because it is the inner lining of the uterus that thickens in preparation for pregnancy and is shed during menstruation if fertilization does not occur. This cyclical process is regulated by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone and is essential for reproductive health.
A patient with PD is taking carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 mg three times a day, and reports that he tends to slow down 2 hours before his next carbidopa/levodopa dose. This patient is most likely experiencing:
- A. Delayed onset response
- B. Dyskinesia
- C. Freezing
- D. Wearing off
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Wearing off refers to the recurrence of PD symptoms before the next dose of medication, indicating the need for dose adjustment or adjunct therapy.