One Minute Nurse - Neural Unit 6

Cranial Nerves: Which cranial nerve is responsible for the ability to see?

CN II Rationale: CN II, the optic nerve, is responsible for the ability to see.

Autonomic Nervous System: What is the primary neurotransmitter released when the sympathetic nervous system is activated?

Norepinephrine Rationale: Norepinephrine is the main neurotransmitter released when the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

Autonomic Nervous System: Which is a true statement regarding the autonomic nervous system?

The parasympathetic nervous system dominates during non-stressful conditions. Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system dominates during non-stressful conditions. It is a parasympathetic nervous system that is not usually in control all day long. The sympathetic nervous system can be activated by physical or perceived danger and illnesses, and it is usually not activated when a patient sleeps.

Cranial Nerves: Which cranial nerves "make the eyes do tricks?"

III, IV, VI Rationale: CNS III, IV, and VI "make the eyes do tricks."

Cranial Nerves: Which cranial nerve affects heart rate and digestion?

Vagus nerve Rationale: The vagus nerve affects heart rate and digestion.

Glasgow Coma Scale: What is the highest score a patient can achieve in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

15 Rationale: Eyes can score up to 4 points, verbal up to 5 points, and motor up to 6 points for a total of a 15-point maximum on the GCS.

Glasgow Coma Scale: How many points will a patient receive for spontaneous eye opening on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

4 Rationale: The patient who spontaneously opens their eyes receives 4 points for spontaneous eye opening, meaning they can open their eyes without direction. They will get 3 points for opening their eyes in response to speech, 2 points for opening their eyes in response to painful stimuli, and 1 point for no eye opening.

Cranial Nerves: Which nerve is often associated with trigeminal neuralgia?

CN V Rationale: CN V, the trigeminal nerve, is associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

Autonomic Nervous System: Which findings are anticipated when a patient's parasympathetic nervous system is activated?

Constricted pupils Rationale: Constricted pupils are indicators that the parasympathetic nervous system is activated; they do not need to dilate when a person is not responding to stress. Tachycardia, cool, skin and diaphoresis are findings that the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

Autonomic Nervous System: What is the sympathetic nervous system response known as?

Fight-or-flight Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system response is the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and digest.

Cranial Nerves: What is the best way to assess cranial nerve XI, the accessory nerve?

Have the patient move their shoulders up and down. Rationale: The best way to assess the accessory nerve is to have the patient move their shoulders up and down. Moving the tongue tests the hypoglossal nerve, and swallowing and gag reflex test the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Autonomic Nervous System: What does the autonomic nervous system regulate?

Involuntary movements Rationale: The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions such as those of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, digestive organs, and glands.

Glasgow Coma Scale: What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) used to assess?

Level of consciousness Rationale: The GCS is used to assess level of consciousness. It does not address pulses, arrythmias, or strength.

Glasgow Coma Scale: A patient scored 4 points for verbal response on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). What does that indicate?

The patient is confused. Rationale: If the patient is fully oriented, they get 5 points. If they are confused but speaking coherently, they get 4 points. If the patient is saying inappropriate words and jumbled phrases, they'll get 3 points. Incomprehensible sounds scores 2 points, and 1 point is assigned for no verbal response.

Glasgow Coma Scale: What is the best description of decorticate posturing?

The patient withdraws into their core. Rationale: Decorticate posturing is when the patient withdraws into their core. Decerebrate is when the arms extend away from the body.