What role, if any, do Hox genes play in specification of neuronal fate?
- A. Different Hox genes are activated along the dorso-ventral axis by the gradient of Shh.
- B. Different combinations of Hox genes specify the identities of neurons along the antero-posterior axis
- C. Hox genes determine the identity of the segments along the axis of the vertebrate spinal cord
- D. Hox genes determine the different subtypes of neurons that form along the dorso-ventral axis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hox genes are crucial for specifying neuronal identity along the antero-posterior axis. Different combinations of Hox genes are expressed in distinct regions of the developing nervous system, providing positional information that guides the differentiation of neurons into specific subtypes. This ensures the proper organization and function of the spinal cord and brain.
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When the individual is be unable to recognise everyday objects and name them correctly, this is known as
- A. Prosopagnosia
- B. Anomia
- C. Agnosia
- D. Aphosonomia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Agnosia is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize or identify objects, people, sounds, or shapes, despite having intact sensory abilities. This condition arises from damage to specific areas of the brain responsible for processing sensory information. Agnosia can manifest in various forms, such as visual agnosia (inability to recognize objects) or auditory agnosia (inability to recognize sounds).
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.
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.
The tiny space between neurons or a neuron and its target muscle is the:
- A. dendrite
- B. axon
- C. neuron cell body
- D. synapse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The synapse is the tiny gap between neurons or between a neuron and its target cell, such as a muscle. It is the site where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals from one cell to another. When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, triggering a response. The synapse is crucial for communication within the nervous system.
At a visit to the provider's office, an older adult patient's partner reports that the patient has nausea, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. He has a history of Alzheimer's disease and is taking donepezil (Aricept). The provider should advise which of the following?
- A. Take the drug with food.
- B. Stop taking the drug right away.
- C. Take a reduced dosage of the drug.
- D. Undergo liver function tests right away.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil commonly cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. This is due to the increase of acetylcholine in all parts of the body, and its subsequent effect on the gastrointestinal tract and other systems of the body. The provider should explain to the patient and his caregiver that taking the drug with food and at bedtime will help minimize uncomfortable gastrointestinal effects. The provider also should instruct the partner to report vomiting, severe diarrhea, weight loss, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as dark stools or coffee-ground emesis, especially if the patient is also taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. At this point, it is not necessary to stop taking the drug, reduce the dosage, or undergo liver function tests.