Neurological Practice Questions

Which should be included in the plan of care for a child who has a neuroblastoma with metastasis to the bone marrow and pancytopenia? 1. Administer red blood cells. 2. Limit school attendance to less than 4 hours daily. 3. Administer warfarin (Coumadin). 4. Encourage a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables.

1

A child with a seizure disorder has been having episodes during which she drops her pencil and simply appears to be daydreaming. This is most likely a(n): 1. Absence seizure. 2. Akinetic seizure. 3. Non-epileptic seizure. 4. Simple spasm seizure.

1

Which does the nurse include in the postoperative plan of care for a child with myelomeningocele following ligament release? 1. Encourage the child to resume a regular diet, beginning slowly with bland foods that are easily digested, such as bananas. 2. Encourage the child to blow balloons to increase deep breathing and avoid postoperative pneumonia. 3. Assist the child to change positions to avoid skin breakdown. 4. Provide education on dietary requirements to prevent obesity and skin breakdown.

3

A child diagnosed with meningitis is having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Which should the nurse do first? 1. Administer blow-by oxygen and call for additional help. 2. Reassure the parents that seizures are common in children with meningitis. 3. Call a code and ask the parents to leave the room. 4. Assess the child's temperature and blood pressure.

1

The parents of a 12-month-old with CP ask the nurse if they should teach their child sign language because he has not begun to vocalize. The nurse bases the response on the knowledge that sign language: 1. May be a very beneficial way to help children with CP communicate. 2. May cause confusion and further delay vocalization. 3. Is difficult to learn for most children with CP. 4. Is beneficial to learn, but it would be best to wait until the child is older.

1

The parents of a child with CP are learning how to feed their child and avoid aspiration. The nurse would question which of the following when reviewing the teaching plan? 1. Place the food on the tip of the tongue. 2. Place the child in an upright position during feedings. 3. Feed the child soft and blended foods. 4. Feed the child slowly.

1

Which child would likely have experienced a delay in the diagnosis of a brain tumor? 1. A 3-month-old, because signs and symptoms would not have been readily apparent. 2. A 5-month-old, because signs and symptoms would not have been readily suspected. 3. A school-age child, because signs and symptoms could have been misinterpreted. 4. An adolescent, because signs and symptoms could have been ignored and denied.

1

A parent of a newborn diagnosed with myelomeningocele asks what is/are common long-term complication(s)? The nurse's best response is which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Learning disabilities. 2. Urinary tract infections. 3. Hydrocephalus. 4. Decubitus ulcers and skin breakdown. 5. Nutrition issues. 6. Attention deficit disorders.

2,3

Which of the following would be included in the plan of care for a hospitalized newborn following surgical repair of a myelomeningocele? Select all that apply. 1. Skull x-rays. 2. Daily head circumference measurements. 3. MRI scan. 4. Vital signs every 6 hours. 5. Holding to breastfeed.

2,3

A preschooler has been having periods during which he suddenly falls and appears to be weak for a short time after the event. The preschool teacher asks what she should do. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Have the parents follow up with his health-care provider because this is likely an atonic seizure." 2. "Find out if there have been any new stressors in his life because it could be attention-seeking behavior." 3. "Have the parents follow up with his health-care provider because this is likely an absence seizure." 4. "The preschool years are a time of rapid growth, and many children appear clumsy. It would be best to watch him and see if it continues."

1

The diet that produces anticonvulsant effects from ketosis consists of: 1. High-fat and low-carbohydrate foods. 2. High-fat and high-carbohydrate foods. 3. Low-fat and low-carbohydrate foods. 4. Low-fat and high-carbohydrate foods.

1

The nurse is caring for a 6-month-old infant diagnosed with meningitis. When the child is placed in the supine position and flexes his neck, the nurse notes he flexes his knees and hips. This is referred to as: 1. Brudzinski sign. 2. Cushing triad. 3. Kernig sign. 4. Nuchal rigidity.

1

The nurse is caring for a child with a skull fracture who is unconscious and has severely ICP. The nurse notes the child's temperature to be 104°F (40°C). Which should the nurse do first? 1. Place a cooling blanket on the child. 2. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) via nasogastric tube. 3. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) rectally. 4. Place ice packs in the child's axillary areas.

1

Which of the following are the most important questions to ask of an adolescent with a history of headaches? Select all that apply. 1. How long have you been having headaches? 2. How long do the headaches last? 3. What does the headache pain feel like? 4. Does having a snack help? 5. Are the symptoms getting worse or staying the same?

1,2,3, 5

Which has the potential to alter a child's level of consciousness? Select all that apply. 1. Metabolic disorders. 2. Trauma. 3. Hypoxic episode. 4. Dehydration. 5. Endocrine disorders.

1,2,3,4,5

Common characteristics of tics include which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Decrease during sleep. 2. Decrease during excitement. 3. Decrease during exercise. 4. Diminish during stress. 5. Diminish during concentration.

1,5

. The nurse is aware that cloudy CSF most likely indicates: 1. Viral meningitis. 2. Bacterial meningitis. 3. No infection, because CSF is usually cloudy. 4. Sepsis.

2

An infant is born with a sac protruding through the spine, containing CSF, a portion of the meninges, and nerve roots. This condition is referred to as: 1. Meningocele. 2. Myelomeningocele. 3. Spina bifida occulta. 4. Anencephaly.

2

Which order would the nurse question for a child just admitted with the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis? 1. Maintain isolation precautions until 24 hours after receiving IV antibiotics. 2. IV fluids at 1½ times regular maintenance. 3. Neurological checks every hour. 4. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) for temperatures higher than 38°C (100.4°F).

2.

The parents of a child with altered consciousness ask if they can stay during the morning assessment. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Your child is more likely to answer questions and cooperate with any procedures if you are not present." 2. "Most children feel more at ease when parents are present, so you are more than welcome to stay at the bedside." 3. "It is our policy to ask parents to leave during the first assessment of the shift." 4. "Many children fear that their parents will be disappointed if they do not do well with procedures, so we recommend that no parents be present at this time."2.

2. Most children feel more at ease when parents are present, so you are more than welcome to say at the bedside.

Which signs best indicate ICP in an infant? Select all that apply. 1. Sunken anterior fontanel. 2. Complaints of blurred vision. 3. High-pitched cry. 4. Increased appetite. 5. Sleeping more than usual.

3, 5

A 6-month-old male client has been diagnosed with positional brachycephaly. The nurse is providing teaching about the use of a helmet for his therapy. Which statement indicates that the parents understand the education? Select all that apply. 1. "We will keep the helmet on him when he is awake and remove it only for bathing and sleeping." 2. "He will start wearing the helmet when he is closer to 9 months because he will be more upright and mobile." 3. "He will wear the helmet 23 hours every day." 4. "Most children need to wear the helmet for 6 to 12 months." 5. "Most children gain some improvement."

3,5

Which is included in the plan of care for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele? 1. Place the infant in the prone position with a sterile dry dressing over the defect. Slowly begin oral gastric feeds to prevent the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. 2. Place the infant in the prone position with a sterile dry dressing over the defect. Begin IV fluids to prevent dehydration. 3. Place the infant in the prone position with a sterile moist dressing over the defect. Slowly begin oral gastric feeds to prevent the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. 4. Place the child in the prone position with a sterile moist dressing over the defect. Begin IV fluids to prevent dehydration.

4

The mother of an unconscious child has been calling her name repeatedly and gently shaking her shoulders in an attempt to wake her up. The nurse notes that the child is flexing her arms and wrists while bringing her arms closer to the midline of her body. The child's mother asks, "What is going on?" Select the nurse's best response. 1. "I think your daughter hears you, and she is attempting to reach out to you." 2. "Your child is responding to you; please continue trying to stimulate her." 3. "It appears that your child is having a seizure." 4. "Your child is demonstrating a reflex that indicates she is overwhelmed with the stimulation she is receiving."

4.

Which is the best action for the nurse to take during a child's seizure? 1. Administer the child's rescue dose of oral diazepam (Valium). 2. Loosen the child's clothing, and call for help. 3. Place a tongue blade in the child's mouth to prevent aspiration. 4. Carry the child to the infirmary to call 911 and start an IV line.

2

Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering first to a child in status epilepticus? 1. Establish an IV line and administer IV lorazepam (Ativan). 2. Administer rectal diazepam (Valium). 3. Administer an oral glucose gel to the side of the child's mouth. 4. Administer oral diazepam (Valium).

2

The parent of an infant diagnosed with a neuroblastoma asks the nurse what the prognosis is. The nurse's best response is: 1. Excellent, because a neuroblastoma is always cured. 2. Excellent, because infants with a neuroblastoma have the best prognosis. 3. Poor, because infants with a neuroblastoma rarely survive. 4. Variable, depending on the site of origin.

2

Which activity should an adolescent just diagnosed with epilepsy avoid? 1. Swimming, even with a friend. 2. Being in a car at night. 3. Participating in any strenuous activities. 4. Returning to school right away.

2

Which child is at increased risk for CP? 1. An infant born at 34 weeks with an Apgar score of 6 at 5 minutes. 2. A 17-day-old infant with group B Streptococcus meningitis. 3. A 24-month-old child who has experienced a febrile seizure. 4. A 5-year-old with a closed-head injury after falling off a bike.

2

A 6-month-old infant was just diagnosed with craniosynostosis. The infant's father asks the nurse for more information about reconstructive surgery. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "The surgery is done for cosmetic reasons and is without many complications." 2. "The surgery is important to allow the brain to grow properly. Although most children do well, serious complications can occur, so your child will be closely observed in the intensive care unit." 3. "The surgery is important to allow the brain to grow properly. Most surgeons wait until the child is 18 months old to minimize potential complications." 4. "The surgery is mainly done for cosmetic reasons, and most surgeons wait until the child is 3 years old because the head has finished growing at that time."

2

The major pulmonary changes that occur in submersion injuries are related to: 1. The amount of fluid aspirated. 2. The duration of the submersion. 3. The type of fluid aspirated. 4. The temperature of the water.

2

The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old with an altered state of consciousness. The nurse determines that the child is oriented by asking the child to: 1. Name the president of the United States. 2. Identify her parents and state her own name. 3. State her full name and phone number. 4. Identify the current month but not the date.

2. Identify her parents and state her own name.

. To treat a common manifestation of Reye syndrome, which medication would the nurse expect to have readily available? 1. Furosemide (Lasix). 2. Insulin. 3. Glucose. 4. Morphine.

3

The nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who is at risk for CP due to extreme low birth weight and prematurity. His parents ask why a speech therapist is involved in his care. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Your baby is likely to have speech problems because of his early birth. Involving the speech therapist now will ensure vocalization at a developmentally appropriate age." 2. "The speech therapist will help with tongue and jaw movements to assist with babbling." 3. "The speech therapist will help with tongue and jaw movements to assist with feeding." 4. "Many members of the health-care team are involved in your child's care so that we will know if there are any unmet needs."

3

The nurse is caring for a child receiving radiation therapy for a brain tumor. The parents ask if their child will likely have any learning disabilities. Select the nurse's best answer. 1. "All children who receive radiation have some amount of learning disability. As long as they receive extra tutoring, they usually do well in school." 2. "Because your child is so young, she will likely do well and have no problems in the future." 3. "Response varies with each child, but younger children who receive radiation tend to have some amount of learning disability later in life." 4. "Response varies with each child, but younger children who receive radiation tend to have fewer problems later in life than older children."

3

The nurse knows further education is needed about Reye syndrome when a mother states: 1. "I will have my children immunized against varicella and influenza." 2. "I will make sure not to give my child any products containing aspirin." 3. "I will give aspirin to my child to treat a headache." 4. "Children with Reye syndrome are admitted to the hospital."

3

The nurse prepares baclofen for a child with CP who just had her hamstrings surgically released. The child's parents ask what the medication is for. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "It is a medication that will help decrease the pain from her surgery." 2. "It is a medication that will prevent her from having seizures." 3. "It is a medication that will help control her spasms." 4. "It is a medication that will help with bladder control."

3

The parent of a child with neuroblastoma asks the nurse what the typical signs and symptoms are at first. Select the nurse's best answer. 1. "Most children complain of abdominal fullness and difficulty urinating." 2. "Many children in the early stages of a neuroblastoma have joint pain and walk with a limp." 3. "The signs and symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located, but typical symptoms include weight loss, abdominal distention, and fatigue." 4. "The signs and symptoms are fairly consistent regardless of the location of the tumor. They include fatigue, hunger, weight gain, and abdominal fullness."

3

The parents of a child with meningitis and multiple seizures ask if the child will likely develop CP. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "When your child is stable, she'll undergo CT and MRI. The physicians will be able to let you know if she has CP." 2. "Most children do not develop CP at this late age." 3. "Your child will be closely monitored after discharge, and a developmental specialist will be able to make the diagnosis." 4. "Most children who have had complications following meningitis develop some amount of CP."

3

The nurse is caring for a child who has been in an MVA. The child falls asleep unless her name is called or she is gently shaken. This state of consciousness is referred to as: 1. Coma. 2. Delirium. 3. Obtunded. 4. Confusion.

3. Obtunded

A child is being admitted with the diagnosis of meningitis. Select the procedure the nurse should do first. 1. Administration of IV antibiotics. 2. Administration of maintenance IV fluids. 3. Placement of a Foley catheter. 4. Send the spinal fluid and blood samples to the laboratory for cultures.

4

A child with a VP shunt complains of headache and blurry vision and now experiences irritability and sleeping more than usual. The parents ask the nurse what they should do. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Give her some acetaminophen (Tylenol), and see if her symptoms improve. If they do not improve, bring her to the health-care provider's office." 2. "It is common for girls to have these symptoms, especially prior to beginning their menstrual cycle. Give her a few days, and see if she improves." 3. "You are probably worried that she is having a problem with her shunt. This is very unlikely because it has been working well for 9 years." 4. "You should immediately take her to the emergency department because these may be symptoms of a shunt malfunction."

4

Brain damage in a child who sustained a closed-head injury can be caused by which factor? 1. Increased perfusion to the brain and increased metabolic needs of the brain. 2. Decreased perfusion to the brain and decreased metabolic needs of the brain. 3. Increased perfusion to the brain and decreased metabolic needs of the brain. 4. Decreased perfusion of the brain and increased metabolic needs of the brain.

4

The nurse is caring for an adolescent who remains unconscious 24 hours after sustaining a closed-head injury in an MVA. She responds to deep, painful stimulation with decorticate posturing and has an intracranial monitor that shows periodic increased ICP. All other vital signs remain stable. Select the most appropriate nursing action. 1. Encourage the teen's peers to visit and talk to her about school and other pertinent events. 2. Encourage the teen's parents to hold her hand and speak loudly to her in an attempt to help her regain consciousness. 3. Attempt to keep a normal day/night pattern by keeping the teen in a bright, lively environment during the day and dark quiet environment at night. 4. Attempt to keep the environment dark and quiet and encourage minimal stimulation.

4

Which is the nurse's best response to the parents of a neonate with a meningocele who ask what can they expect? 1. "After initial surgery to close the defect, most children experience no neurological dysfunction." 2. "Surgery to close the sac will be postponed until the infant has grown and has enough skin to form a graft." 3. "After the initial surgery to close the defect, the child will likely have motor and sensory deficits." 4. "After the initial surgery to close the defect, the child will likely have future problems with urinary and bowel continence."

1

The nurse is caring for an infant with a myelomeningocele. The parents ask the nurse why the nurse keeps measuring the baby's head circumference. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Babies' heads are measured to ensure growth is on track." 2. "Babies with a myelomeningocele are at risk for hydrocephalus, which shows up as an increase in head size." 3. "Because your baby has an opening on the spinal cord, your infant is at risk for meningitis, which can show up as an increase in head size." 4. "Many infants with myelomeningocele have microcephaly, which can show up as a decrease in head size."

2

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a toddler who experienced a febrile seizure. The nurse knows clarification is needed when the mother says: 1. "My child will likely have another seizure." 2. "My child's 7-year-old brother is also at high risk for a febrile seizure." 3. "I'll give my child acetaminophen (Tylenol) when ill to prevent the fever from rising too high too rapidly." 4. "Most children with febrile seizures do not require seizure medicine."

2

The nurse knows that young infants are at risk for injury from SBS because: 1. The anterior fontanel is open. 2. They have insufficient musculoskeletal support and a disproportionate head-to-body ratio. 3. They have an immature vascular system with veins and arteries that are more superficial. 4. There is immature myelination of the nervous system in a young infant.

2

Which child requires continued follow-up because of behaviors suspicious of CP? 1. A 1-month-old who demonstrates the startle reflex when a loud noise is heard. 2. A 6-month-old who always reaches for toys with the right hand. 3. A 14-month-old who has not begun to walk. 4. A 2-year-old who has not yet achieved bladder control during waking hours

2

Which position initially is most beneficial for an infant who has just returned from having a VP shunt placed? 1. Semi-Fowler in an infant seat. 2. Flat in the crib. 3. Trendelenburg. 4. In the crib with the head elevated to 90 degrees

2. Flat in the crib

A child fell off his bike and sustained a closed-head injury. The child is currently awake and alert, but his mother states that he "passed out" for approximately 2 minutes. The mother appears highly anxious and is very tearful. The child was not wearing a helmet. Which is a priority for the triage nurse to say at this time? 1. "Was anyone else injured in the accident?" 2. "Tell me more about the accident." 3. "Did he vomit, have a seizure, or display any other behavior that was unusual when he woke up?" 4. "Why was he not wearing a helmet?"

3

A child is bitten by a raccoon while camping. Which of the following is appropriate? 1. Three doses of human rabies immune globulin. 2. Begin treatment in 3 days. 3. Four doses of rabies vaccine. 4. No treatment until the animal is tested.

3

The nurse is caring for a child with CP whose weight is in the fifth percentile and who has been hospitalized for aspiration pneumonia. His parents are anxious and state that they do not want a G-tube placed. Which would be the nurse's best response? 1. "A G-tube will help your son gain weight and reduce his risk for future hospitalizations due to pneumonia." 2. "G-tubes are very easy to care for and will make feeding time easier for your family." 3. "Are you concerned that you will not be able to care for his G-tube?" 4. "Tell me your thoughts about G-tubes."

4

A 2-month-old infant is brought to the emergency department after experiencing a seizure. The infant appears lethargic with very irregular respirations and periods of apnea. The parents report the baby is no longer interested in feeding and, before the seizure, rolled off the couch. What additional testing should the nurse immediately prepare for? 1. CT scan of the head and dilation of the eyes. 2. CT scan of the head and EEG. 3. X-rays of the head. 4. X-rays of all long bones.

1

The nurse is caring for an unconscious 6-year-old who has had a severe closed-head injury and notes the following changes: Heart rate has dropped from 120 to 55, blood pressure has increased from 110/44 to 195/62, and respirations are becoming more irregular. Which should the nurse do first after calling the physician? 1. Call for additional help and prepare to administer mannitol (Osmitrol). 2. Continue to monitor the patient's vital signs and prepare to administer a bolus of isotonic fluids. 3. Call for additional help and prepare to administer an antihypertensive. 4. Continue to monitor the patient and administer supplemental oxygen

1

The nurse tells a family of a child with CP that since the 1960s, the incidence of CP has: 1. Increased. 2. Decreased. 3. Remained the same. 4. Has decreased because of early diagnosis.

1

A child has been diagnosed with a midline brain tumor. In addition to showing signs of ICP, she has been voiding large amounts of very dilute urine. Which medication does the nurse expect to administer? 1. Mannitol (Osmitrol). 2. Vasopressin. 3. Furosemide (Lasix). 4. Dopamine (Intropin).

2

A child involved in an MVA is currently on a backboard with a cervical collar in place. The child is diagnosed with a cervical fracture. Which would the nurse expect to find in the child's plan of care? 1. Remove the cervical collar, keep the backboard in place, and administer high-dose methylprednisolone (Medrol). 2. Continue with all forms of spinal stabilization and administer high-dose methylprednisolone (Medrol). 3. Remove the backboard and cervical collar and prepare for halo traction placement. 4. Remove the cervical collar and backboard, place the child on spinal precautions, and administer high-dose methylprednisolone (Medrol).

2

A child recently diagnosed with epilepsy is being evaluated for anticonvulsant medication therapy. The child will likely be placed on which type of regimen? 1. Two to three oral anticonvulsant medications so that dosing can be low and side effects minimized. 2. One oral anticonvulsant medication to observe effectiveness and minimize side effects. 3. One rectal gel to be administered in the event of a seizure. 4. A combination of oral and IV anticonvulsant medications to ensure compliance.

2

A child with CP has been fitted for braces and is beginning physical therapy to assist with ambulation. The parents ask why he needs the braces when he was crawling without any assistive devices. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "The CP has progressed, and he now needs more assistance to ambulate." 2. "As your child grows, different muscle groups may need more assistance." 3. "Most children with CP need braces to help with ambulation." 4. "We have found that when children with CP use braces, they are less likely to fall."

2

A child in the PICU with a head injury is comatose and unresponsive. The parent asks if he needs pain medication. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Pain medication is not necessary because he is unresponsive and cannot feel pain." 2. "Pain medication may interfere with his ability to respond and may mask any signs of improvement." 3. "Pain medication is necessary to make him comfortable." 4. "Pain medication is necessary for comfort, but we use it cautiously because it increases the demand for oxygen."

3

A child with Reye syndrome is described in the nurse's notes as follows: 1200—comatose with sluggish pupils; when stimulated, demonstrates decerebrate posturing. 1400—unchanged except that now demonstrates decorticate posturing when stimulated. The nurse concludes that the child's condition is: 1. Worsening and progressing to a more advanced stage of Reye syndrome. 2. Worsening, and the child may likely experience cardiac and respiratory failure. 3. Improving and progressing to a less advanced stage of Reye syndrome. 4. Improving because the child's posturing reflexes are similar.

3

Select the best room assignment for a newly admitted child with bacterial meningitis. 1. Semiprivate room with a roommate who also has bacterial meningitis. 2. Semiprivate room with a roommate who has bacterial meningitis but has received IV antibiotics for more than 24 hours. 3. Private room that is dark and quiet with minimal stimulation. 4. Private room that is bright and colorful and has developmentally appropriate activities available.

3

The nurse is caring for a 1-year-old who has just been diagnosed with viral encephalitis. The parents ask if their child will be admitted to the hospital. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Your child will likely be sent home because encephalitis is usually caused by a virus and not bacteria." 2. "Your child will likely be admitted to the pediatric floor for IV antibiotics and observation." 3. "Your child will likely be admitted to the PICU for close monitoring and observation." 4. "Your child will likely be sent home because she is only 1 year old. We see fewer complications and a shorter disease process in the younger child."

3

The parents of a 12-month-old with a neurogenic bladder ask the nurse if their child will always have to be catheterized. Select the nurse's best response. 1. "Your child will never feel when her bladder is full, so she will always have to be catheterized. Because she is female, she will always need assistance." 2. "As your child ages, she will likely be able to sense when her bladder is full and will be able to empty it on her own." 3. "Although your child will not be able to feel when her bladder is full, she can learn to urinate every 4 to 6 hours and therefore not require catheterizations." 4. "Your child will never be able to completely empty her bladder spontaneously, but there are other options to traditional catheterization. An opening can be made surgically through the abdomen, allowing a catheter to be placed into the opening."

4