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When performing a neurologic assessment on an elderly patient, the nurse should be aware that:
- A. Age-related changes may affect reflexes, gait, and memory.
- B. Elderly patients should have the same reflexes as younger individuals.
- C. There should be no difference in neurologic function based on age.
- D. Reflexes should be more pronounced in elderly patients.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Age-related changes, such as slower reflexes, altered gait, and memory decline, are common in elderly patients. Neurologic function may differ from younger individuals.
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Electrical stimulation of the reticular formation would most likely cause an animal to:
- A. sneeze
- B. become blind
- C. wake up if it had been sleeping
- D. stop breathing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a key role in regulating arousal and consciousness. Electrical stimulation of this area can activate the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS), which promotes wakefulness and alertness. This is why stimulating the reticular formation would most likely cause a sleeping animal to wake up. The reticular formation also helps filter sensory information and maintain attention.
The cervical sympathetic trunk
- A. Descends from the upper posterior triangle to the first rib
- B. Runs lateral to the vertebral artery
- C. Lies behind the carotid sheath
- D. Lies behind the prevertebral fascia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The cervical sympathetic trunk runs lateral to the vertebral artery and posterior to the carotid sheath. It contains ganglia that provide sympathetic innervation to the head and neck.
During an assessment, Nurse Johnson observes Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign in a patient. She recognizes these as two classic indicators associated with a specific medical condition. Which disorder is Nurse Johnson likely considering based on these signs?
- A. Parkinson's disease
- B. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
- C. Seizure disorder
- D. Meningitis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign are indicative of meningeal irritation, commonly seen in meningitis.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a stroke (brain attack). The patient is unable to understand what the nurse is saying and appears frustrated. What term should the nurse use to document this finding?
- A. Dysphagia
- B. Confusion
- C. Receptive aphasia
- D. Expressive aphasia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Receptive aphasia is the inability to understand spoken or written language, often resulting from damage to Wernicke's area in the brain. Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, confusion is disorientation, and expressive aphasia is difficulty communicating verbally. Accurate documentation is essential for planning patient care.
The presence of dysdiadochokinesis suggests damage to the following:
- A. black substance
- B. spinal cord
- C. cerebellar
- D. occipital lobe
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cerebellar is the correct answer because dysdiadochokinesis, or the inability to perform rapid alternating movements, is a hallmark sign of cerebellar dysfunction. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, and damage to this area disrupts the timing and precision of motor actions.