CH. 60: NEUROLOGIC FUNCTION

A client is admitted to the medical unit with an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. When assessing this client, the nurse has the client stick out the tongue and move it back and forth. What is the nurse assessing? A. Function of the hypoglossal nerve B. Function of the vagus nerve C. Function of the spinal nerve D. Function of the trochlear nerve

A

A client is being given a medication that stimulates the parasympathetic system. Following administration of this medication, the nurse should anticipate what effect? A. Constricted pupils B. Dilated bronchioles C. Decreased peristaltic movement D. Relaxed muscular walls of the urinary bladder

A

A client is scheduled for a myelogram, and the nurse explains to the client that this is an invasive procedure, which assesses for any lesions in the spinal cord. The nurse should explain that the preparation is similar to which of the following neurologic tests? A. Lumbar puncture B. MRI C. Cerebral angiography D. EEG

A

A gerontologic nurse educator is providing practice guidelines to unlicensed care providers. Because reaction to painful stimuli is sometimes blunted in older adults, what must be used with caution? A. Hot or cold packs B. Analgesics C. Anti-inflammatory medications D. Whirlpool baths

A

What neurologic assessment should the nurse perform to gauge the client's function of cranial nerve I? A. Have the client identify familiar odors with the eyes closed. B. Assess papillary reflex. C. Utilize the Snellen chart. D. Test for air and bone conduction (Rinne test).

A

When assessing a 36-year-old male, the nurse gently strokes the client's right palm using a cotton applicator. As the nurse strokes the client's palm the nurse then checks to see if the client will begin to grasp the applicator. This assessment is associated with which of the following reflexes? A. Pathologic B. Superficial C. Deep tendon D. Brachioradialis

A

A health care provider has prescribed a standard electroencephalogram (EEG) test for the client. What general instructions should the nurse provide to the client? Select all that apply A. The procedure generally takes 45 to 60 minutes. B. Please remove all jewelry and any metal objects prior to the procedure C. This procedure uses a water-soluble lubricant for electrode contact which can be easily wiped off and removed using shampoo D. If you feel nervous about the test I can provide you a light sedative medication to ease your anxiety E. Please refrain from drinking coffee and any caffeinated beverages the morning prior to the procedure F. It is required that you withhold taking your anticonvulsant medication 72 hours before the procedure.

A, C, E

A client scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has arrived at the radiology department. The nurse who prepares the client for the MRI should prioritize what action? A. Withholding stimulants 24 to 48 hours prior to exam B. Removing all metal-containing objects C. Instructing the client to void prior to the MRI D. Initiating an IV line for administration of contrast

B

A gerontologic nurse planning the neurologic assessment of an older adult is considering normal, age-related changes that may influence the assessment results. Of what phenomenon should the nurse be aware? A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes B. Reduction in cerebral blood flow C. Increased cerebral metabolism D. Hypersensitivity to painful stimuli

B

A nurse is performing a complex neurological assessment on a client recently diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. What question should the nurse anticipate to ask when assessing the client's language ability? A. "How are a pencil and pen alike?" B. "Can you write your name on this blank sheet of paper?" C. "Can you tell me what year it is?" D. "What is the name of the president of the United States?"

B

A trauma client in the ICU has been declared brain dead. What diagnostic test is used in making the best determination that the brain's electrical activity has ceased? A. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) B. Electroencephalography (EEG) C. Electromyography (EMG) D. Computed tomography (CT)

B

In the course of a focused neurologic assessment, the nurse is palpating the client's major muscle groups at rest and during passive movement. Data gleaned from this assessment will allow the nurse to describe which of the following aspects of neurologic function? A. Muscle dexterity B. Muscle tone C. Motor symmetry D. Deep tendon reflexes

B

The health care provider has prescribed a somatosensory evoked responses (SERs) test for a client for whom the nurse is caring. The nurse is justified in suspecting that this client may have a history of what type of neurologic disorder? A. Hypothalamic disorder B. Demyelinating disease C. Brainstem deficit D. Diabetic neuropathy

B

The nurse is doing an initial assessment on a client newly admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease. The client has difficulty copying a figure that the nurse has drawn and is diagnosed with visual receptive aphasia. What brain region is primarily involved in this client's deficit? A. Temporal lobe B. Parietal-occipital area C. Inferior-posterior frontal areas D. Posterior frontal area

B

The nurse is performing a neurologic assessment of a client whose injuries have rendered the client unable to follow verbal commands. How should the nurse proceed with assessing the client's level of consciousness (LOC)? A. Assess the client's vital signs and correlate these with the client's baselines. B. Assess the client's eye opening and response to stimuli. C. Document that the client currently lacks a level of consciousness. D. Facilitate diagnostic testing in an effort to obtain objective data.

B

The nurse is planning the care of a client with Parkinson disease. The nurse should be aware that treatment will focus on what pathophysiologic phenomenon? A. Premature degradation of acetylcholine B. Decreased availability of dopamine C. Insufficient synthesis of epinephrine D. Delayed reuptake of serotonin

B

In which specific instances should the nurse assess the client's cranial nerves? Select all that apply. A. When a neurogenic bladder develops B. When level of consciousness is decreased C. With brain stem pathology D. In the presence of peripheral nervous system disease E. When a spinal reflex is interrupted

B, C, D

The nurse is preparing to assess a client with neurologic dysfunction. What does accurate and appropriate assessment require? Select all that apply. A. The ability to select basic medications for the neurologic dysfunction B. Understanding of the tests used to diagnose neurologic disorders C. Knowledge of nursing interventions related to assessment and diagnostic testing D. Knowledge of the anatomy of the nervous system E. The ability to interpret the results of diagnostic tests

B, C, D

A client has been recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Which is indicative of a person diagnosed with myasthenia gravis? A. Excessive serotonin activity in the brain B. Decreased dopamine activity in the brain C. Impairment of acetylcholine binding to muscle cells D. Defects in the expression of acetylcholine receptors

C

A client in the OR goes into malignant hyperthermia due to an abnormal reaction to the anesthetic. The nurse knows the brain regulates body temperature in which of the following areas? A. Cerebellum B. Thalamus C. Hypothalamus D. Midbrain

C

A client is having a "fight or flight response" after receiving a bad disease prognosis. What affect will this have on the client's sympathetic nervous system? A. Constriction of blood vessels in the heart muscle B. Constriction of bronchioles C. Increase in the secretion of sweat D. Constriction of pupils

C

A client is scheduled for CT scanning of the head because of a recent onset of neurologic deficits. What should the nurse tell the client in preparation for this test? A. "No metal objects can enter the procedure room." B. "You need to fast for 8 hours prior to the test." C. "You will need to lie still throughout the procedure." D. "There will be a lot of noise during the test."

C

A nurse is assessing reflexes in a client with hyperactive reflexes. When the client's foot is abruptly dorsiflexed, it continues to "beat" two to three times before settling into a resting position. How should the nurse document this finding? A. Rigidity B. Flaccidity C. Clonus D. Ataxia

C

A nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a client at home. During the assessment, the nurse notices that the client has a flat affect. Which lobe of the brain is responsible for a person's affect? A. Parietal lobe B. Temporal lobe C. Frontal lobe D. Occipital lobe

C

A trauma client was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a brain injury that resulted in a change in level of consciousness and altered vital signs. The client subsequently became diaphoretic and agitated. The nurse should recognize which of the following syndromes as the most plausible cause of these symptoms? A. Adrenal crisis B. Hypothalamic collapse C. Sympathetic storm D. Cranial nerve deficit

C

During the performance of the Romberg test, the nurse observes that the client sways slightly. What is the nurse's most appropriate action? A. Facilitate a referral to a neurologist. B. Reposition the client supine to ensure safety. C. Document successful completion of the assessment. D. Follow up by having the client perform the Rinne test.

C

The nurse caring for an 80-year-old client knows that the client has a preexisting history of dulled tactile sensation. The nurse should first consider what possible cause for this client's diminished tactile sensation? A. Damage to cranial nerve VIII B. Adverse medication effects C. Age-related neurologic changes D. An undiagnosed cerebrovascular disease in early adulthood

C

The nurse is caring for a client with an upper motor neuron lesion. What clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate when planning the client's neurologic assessment? A. Decreased muscle tone B. Flaccid paralysis C. Loss of voluntary control of movement D. Slow reflexes

C

The nurse is providing information to a client about neurological disorders associated with genetic defects. The nurse knows which disease is considered an autosomal dominant disorder? A. Duchenne muscular dystrophy B. Parkinson disease C. Huntington disease D. Fragile X syndrome

C

When caring for a client with an altered level of consciousness, the nurse is preparing to test cranial nerve VII. What assessment technique would most likely elicit a response from cranial nerve VII? A. Palpate trapezius muscle while client shrugs shoulders against resistance. B. Administer the whisper or watch tick test. C. Observe for facial movement symmetry, such as a smile. D. Note any hoarseness in the client's voice.

C

A client had a lumbar puncture performed at the outpatient clinic and the nurse phoned the client and family that evening. What does this phone call enable the nurse to determine? Select all that apply. A. What the client's and family's expectations of the test are. B. Whether the client's family had any questions about why the test was necessary. C. Whether the client has had any complications from the test. D. Whether the client understood accurately why the test was done. E. The necessary steps for the client and family to take should complications arise.

C, E

A 26-year-old female client, who is breastfeeding a newborn, is due to undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan with dye contrast. What instruction should the nurse provide to the client based on this procedure? A. "Do not breastfeed your baby for two weeks after the procedure as recommended by your provider." B. "Limit your intake of water and alcohol following the procedure." C. "Do not eat or cook any shellfish prior to the procedure." D. "Stop breastfeeding for the time frame given by the provider within the nuclear medicine department."

D

A 72-year-old man has been brought to his primary care provider by the client's daughter, who claims that the client has been experiencing uncharacteristic lapses in memory. What principle should underlie the nurse's assessment and management of this client? A. Loss of short-term memory is normal in older adults, but loss of long-term memory is pathologic. B. Lapses in memory in older adults are considered benign unless they have negative consequences. C. Gradual increases in confusion accompany the aging process. D. Thorough assessment is necessary because changes in cognition are always considered to be pathologic.

D

A client for whom the nurse is caring has positron emission tomography (PET) scheduled. In preparation, what should the nurse explain to the client? A. "The test will temporarily limit blood flow through the brain." B. "An allergy to iodine precludes getting the radio-opaque dye." C. "The client will need to endure loud noises during the test." D. "The test may result in dizziness or lightheadedness."

D

A client is currently being stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system. What effect will this nervous stimulation have on the client's bladder? A. Urinary retention B. Bladder spasms C. Urge incontinence D. Bladder contract

D

An older adult client is being discharged home. The client lives alone and has atrophy of the olfactory organs. The nurse tells the client's family that it is essential that the client have what installed in the home? A. Grab bars B. Nonslip mats C. Baseboard heaters D. A smoke detector

D

The neurologic nurse is testing the function of a client's cerebellum and basal ganglia. What action will most accurately test these structures? A. Have the client identify the location of a cotton swab on his or her skin with the eyes closed. B. Elicit the client's response to a hypothetical problem. C. Ask the client to close his or her eyes and discern between hot and cold stimuli. D. Guide the client through the performance of rapid, alternating movements.

D

The nurse is admitting a client to the unit who is diagnosed with a lower motor neuron lesion. What entry in the client's electronic record is most consistent with this diagnosis? A. "Client exhibits increased muscle tone." B. "Client demonstrates normal muscle structure with no evidence of atrophy." C. "Client demonstrates hyperactive deep tendon reflexes." D. "Client demonstrates an absence of deep tendon reflexes."

D

The nurse is conducting a focused neurologic assessment and is assessing the client's gag reflex. How should the nurse best perform this aspect of the assessment? A. Depress the client's tongue with a sterile tongue depressor. B. Ask the client to swallow a small quantity of any soft food. C. Observe the client swallowing a small mouthful of water. D. Lightly touch the client's pharynx with a cotton swab.

D

What term is used to describe the fibrous connective tissue that hugs the brain closely and extends into every fold of the brain's surface? A. Dura mater B. Arachnoid C. Fascia D. Pia mater

D