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.
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An interneuron has _____________.
- A. long dendrites and a short axon
- B. long dendrites and a long axon
- C. short dendrites and a long axon
- D. short dendrites and a long or short axon
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Interneurons, which are found within the CNS, typically have short dendrites and either a long or short axon. These neurons act as connectors between sensory and motor neurons, integrating and processing information to generate appropriate responses. The structure of interneurons allows them to facilitate communication within the CNS, enabling complex reflexes and higher-order cognitive functions.
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.
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.
The client newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) states, 'I don't understand how I got multiple sclerosis. Is it genetic?' On which statement should the nurse base the response?
- A. Genetics may play a role in susceptibility to MS, but the disease may be caused by a virus.
- B. There is no evidence suggesting there is any chromosomal involvement in developing MS.
- C. Multiple sclerosis is caused by a recessive gene, so both parents had to have the gene for the client to get MS.
- D. Multiple sclerosis is caused by an autosomal dominant gene on the Y chromosome, so only fathers can pass it on.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: MS has a genetic component that increases susceptibility, but environmental factors, such as viral infections, also play a significant role in its development.
Which of these statements about the peripheral nervous system is correct?
- A. The CNs enter the brain through the spinal cord.
- B. Efferent fibers carry sensory input to the central nervous system through the spinal cord.
- C. The peripheral nerves are inside the central nervous system and carry impulses through their motor fibers.
- D. The peripheral nerves carry input to the central nervous system by afferent fibers and away from the central nervous system by efferent fibers.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the peripheral nerves carry sensory input to the central nervous system by afferent fibers and motor commands away from the central nervous system by efferent fibers. This is known as the afferent-efferent division of the peripheral nervous system. Choice A is incorrect because cranial nerves (CNs) enter the brain directly, not through the spinal cord. Choice B is incorrect because efferent fibers carry motor commands away from the central nervous system, not sensory input. Choice C is incorrect because peripheral nerves are outside the central nervous system and do not carry impulses through motor fibers; instead, they carry motor commands through efferent fibers.