ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 69 : Management of Patients with Neurologic Infections, Autoimmune Disorders, and Neuropathies Questions
Question 1 of 5
The critical care nurse is caring for a 25-year-old man admitted to the ICU with a brain abscess. What is a priority nursing responsibility in the care of this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Close neurologic monitoring is critical for brain abscess patients to detect changes like increased intracranial pressure. Independence, education, and mobility are secondary in acute care.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is being admitted through the ED with suspected herpes simplex virus encephalitis. What nursing action best addresses the patient's complaints of headache?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dimming lights and reducing stimulation alleviate headache in herpes simplex virus encephalitis by minimizing sensory overload. Opioids may mask neurologic symptoms, and distraction is ineffective.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is admitted through the ED with suspected St. Louis encephalitis. The unique clinical feature of St. Louis encephalitis will make what nursing action a priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: St. Louis encephalitis is associated with SIADH, causing hyponatremia, so monitoring fluid balance is critical. Hemoglobin, glucose, and dermatomal pain are not specific to this condition.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a 77-year-old woman with MS. She states that she is very concerned about the progress of her disease and what the future holds. The nurse should know that elderly patients with MS are known to be particularly concerned about what variables? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Elderly MS patients worry about increasing disability, family burden, and potential nursing home placement due to progressive loss of function. Pain from therapy and appetite loss are not primary concerns.
Question 5 of 5
You are the clinic nurse caring for a patient with a recent diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The patient has begun treatment with pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon). What change in status would most clearly suggest a therapeutic benefit of this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pyridostigmine enhances muscle strength in myasthenia gravis by inhibiting acetylcholine breakdown. It does not target pain, GI function, or cognition.