ATI Neurological System Questions

ATI Neurological System Questions Related

Review ATI Neurological System Questions related questions and content

You are instructing a patient who has multiple sclerosis about how dantrolene (Dantrium) will help control spasticity. Through which of the following pharmacologic actions is this drug effective in treating this manifestation?

  • A. Blocks acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
  • B. Interrupts nerve signals from the spinal cord to the muscles
  • C. Inhibits destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase
  • D. Alters intracellular calcium exchange at the muscles
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Dantrolene, a peripherally acting muscle relaxant, acts directly on spastic muscles and inhibits muscle contraction by preventing the release of calcium in skeletal muscles. Anticholinergic drugs or muscarinic antagonist block acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Baclofen, a centrally acting muscle relaxant, relieves spasticity by interrupting nerve signals from the spinal cord. Most drugs used to treat myasthenia gravis act by preventing the destruction of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

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Regarding retinal metabolism:

  • A. insulin is essential for the uptake of glucose by the retina
  • B. anaerobic metabolism predominates
  • C. the pigment retinal epithelium stores glycogen and supplies the need of the retina
  • D. the demand of oxygen is met entirely by the central retinal artery
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Retinal metabolism is primarily anaerobic, especially in the inner retina. Insulin is not required for glucose uptake, and oxygen is supplied by both the retinal and choroidal circulations.

Which part of the brain has a blood-brain barrier?

  • A. anterior pituitary
  • B. posterior pituitary
  • C. pineal body
  • D. area postrema of the fourth ventricle
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The area postrema of the fourth ventricle lacks a blood-brain barrier, allowing it to detect toxins in the blood and trigger vomiting. Other regions listed, such as the anterior pituitary and pineal body, have a blood-brain barrier.

A refractory period is___________.

  • A. a brief time when a neuron is unable to conduct an impulse
  • B. the period during which potassium and sodium ions are completely stable
  • C. the same as the resting potential
  • D. the short time the myelin sheath provides insulation from another impulse
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The refractory period is a brief time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire another impulse. This period ensures that action potentials propagate in one direction and allows the neuron to reset its ion gradients. The refractory period is divided into the absolute refractory period, when no new action potentials can be generated, and the relative refractory period, when a stronger-than-usual stimulus is required to generate an action potential.

Brown-Sequard syndrome develops with the following damage of the spinal cord:

  • A. complete transversal
  • B. anterior horns
  • C. half transversal
  • D. posterior horns
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Half transversal is the correct answer because Brown-Sequard syndrome results from damage to one side of the spinal cord. This leads to ipsilateral motor paralysis and loss of proprioception, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation due to the crossing of spinothalamic tract fibers.

A patient with a spinal cord injury at level C3-4 is being cared for in the ED. What is the priority assessment?

  • A. Determine the level at which the patient has intact sensation.
  • B. Assess the level at which the patient has retained mobility.
  • C. Check blood pressure and pulse for signs of spinal shock.
  • D. Monitor respiratory effort and oxygen saturation level.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Respiratory function is critical at this level of injury and must be assessed immediately.

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