Which of the following statements is true of dementia?
- A. It is a progressive neurological disease that affects the motor neurons of the nervous system.
- B. It is the general term for conditions that involve loss of memory and impaired cognition.
- C. It is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that affects the skeletal muscles.
- D. It is the general term used to describe a cluster of symptoms including bradykinesia with rigidity or tremor.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions characterized by a decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, impaired reasoning, and changes in behavior. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but other types include vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.
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Which myotome is responsible for plantar flexion of the ankle
- A. L4/5
- B. L5/S1
- C. S1/2
- D. S2/3
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The S1 and S2 nerve roots innervate the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are responsible for plantar flexion of the ankle. This is important in assessing sacral nerve root function.
Which of these is the most important cause of adult onset epilepsy?
- A. neurocysticercosis
- B. neurotoxoplasmosis
- C. primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
- D. African trypanosomiasis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: neurocysticercosis. Neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of adult onset epilepsy worldwide. It is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. The larvae can infect the brain and lead to seizures. Neurotoxoplasmosis (B) is more commonly associated with HIV patients. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (C) is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri and is rare. African trypanosomiasis (D) does not typically cause epilepsy. Therefore, neurocysticercosis is the most important cause of adult onset epilepsy due to its global prevalence and direct impact on the brain leading to seizures.
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.
Which is the smallest cranial nerve?
- A. olfactory nerve (I)
- B. occulomotor nerve (III)
- C. trochlear nerve (IV)
- D. abducent nerve (VI)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The trochlear nerve (IV) is the smallest cranial nerve. It innervates the superior oblique muscle, which helps control eye movement.
Which of the following is the most common cause of neonatal meningitis?
- A. Haemophilus influenzae b
- B. Streptococcus agalactiae
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Streptococcus agalactiae. This bacterium is the most common cause of neonatal meningitis due to its ability to colonize the maternal genital tract and be transmitted to the newborn during delivery. It is a leading cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Haemophilus influenzae b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are more commonly associated with meningitis in older children and adults, rather than in neonates. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate answer based on the specific context of neonatal meningitis.