What is the most important method of diagnosing functional headaches?
- A. CT scan
- B. Electromyography (EMG)
- C. Cerebral blood flow studies
- D. Thorough history of the headache
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A thorough history is critical for diagnosing functional headaches
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While gathering equipment after an injection, a nurse accidentally received a prick from an improperly capped needle. To interpret this sensation, which of these areas must be intact?
- A. Corticospinal tract, medulla, and basal ganglia
- B. Pyramidal tract, hypothalamus, and sensory cortex
- C. Lateral spinothalamic tract, thalamus, and sensory cortex
- D. Anterior spinothalamic tract, basal ganglia, and sensory cortex
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lateral spinothalamic tract, thalamus, and sensory cortex. The lateral spinothalamic tract carries pain and temperature sensations to the thalamus, which then relays it to the sensory cortex for interpretation. In this scenario, the nurse's sensation of being pricked by the needle is a pain sensation, so the intactness of the lateral spinothalamic tract, thalamus, and sensory cortex is crucial for interpreting this sensation.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not involve the specific pathways responsible for transmitting pain sensations. The corticospinal tract (choice A) is involved in motor function, the pyramidal tract (choice B) is involved in voluntary movement, and the anterior spinothalamic tract (choice D) is not associated with pain and temperature sensations. Therefore, the correct answer is C as it directly relates to the interpretation of the pain sensation experienced by the nurse.
A patient is diagnosed with a health problem that alters the way impulses are conducted in the neurological system. When reviewing this information with the patient, which part of a neuron should the nurse teach carries impulses toward the cell body?
- A. Axon
- B. Dendrite
- C. Schwann cell
- D. Myelin sheath
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dendrites are extensions of the neuron that carry impulses toward the cell body. Axons transmit impulses away from the cell body, while Schwann cells and the myelin sheath are involved in insulating and speeding up nerve impulse transmission. Understanding the role of dendrites is crucial for explaining how neurons communicate.
A diagnosis of AD is usually made when what happens?
- A. A urine test indicates elevated levels of isoprostanes
- B. All other possible causes of dementia have been eliminated
- C. Blood analysis reveals increased amounts of β-amyloid protein
- D. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain indicates brain atrophy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: AD is diagnosed after ruling out other causes of dementia
The presence of ataxia suggests damage to any of the following EXCEPT:
- A. cerebellar
- B. thalamus
- C. vestibular nucleus
- D. vagal nerve
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vagal nerve is the correct answer because ataxia, which is a lack of coordination, is typically associated with damage to the cerebellum, thalamus, or vestibular system. The vagal nerve, however, is primarily involved in autonomic functions and does not play a direct role in motor coordination.
A client with subdural hematoma was given mannitol to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following results would best show the mannitol was effective?
- A. Urine output increases
- B. Pupils are 8 mm and nonreactive
- C. Systolic blood pressure remains at 150 mm Hg
- D. BUN and creatinine levels return to normal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An increase in urine output is the most direct indicator of mannitol's effectiveness. Mannitol works by promoting osmotic diuresis, which increases urine production. This reduces fluid volume in the brain, thereby decreasing ICP. While other signs like pupil reactivity and blood pressure are important, they are secondary indicators and may not directly correlate with the drug's immediate effect.