ATI RN
Psychotropic Medications Medcomm Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 30-year-old woman tells the nurse that she has been very unsteady and has had difficulty in maintaining her balance. Which area of the brain that is related to these findings would concern the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and posture. Dysfunction in the cerebellum can lead to symptoms like unsteadiness and difficulty in maintaining balance. The thalamus (A) is involved in relaying sensory and motor signals, not specifically related to balance. The brainstem (B) is important for basic involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate, not specifically balance. The extrapyramidal tract (D) is involved in motor control but not directly related to balance and coordination.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment on a 29-year-old woman who visits the clinic complaining of 'always dropping things and falling down.' While testing rapid alternating movements, the nurse notices that the woman is unable to pat both of her knees. Her response is extremely slow and she frequently misses. What should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dysfunction of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, including rapid alternating movements. In this case, the woman's inability to pat both of her knees rapidly and accurately suggests a dysfunction in her cerebellum. Vestibular disease (A) would present with issues related to balance and coordination, not specifically rapid alternating movements. Lesion of CN IX (B) would affect the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is not directly related to motor coordination. Inability to understand directions (D) would not explain the physical difficulty observed during the assessment.
Question 3 of 5
In the assessment of a 1-month-old infant, the nurse notices a lack of response to noise or stimulation. The mother reports that in the last week he has been sleeping all of the time, and when he is awake all he does is cry... The nurse hears that the infant's cries are very high pitched and shrill. What should be the nurse's appropriate response to these findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Refer the infant for further testing. The nurse should be concerned about the lack of response to noise or stimulation, excessive sleeping, constant crying, and high-pitched cries in a 1-month-old infant. These signs could indicate potential issues such as hearing problems, developmental delays, or other health concerns. Referring the infant for further testing is crucial to rule out any underlying medical conditions and ensure appropriate intervention if needed. Talking about eating habits (B) or doing nothing (C) are not appropriate responses given the concerning symptoms. Asking the mother to bring the baby back in 1 week for a recheck (D) delays necessary evaluation and intervention.
Question 4 of 5
During an assessment of a 22-year-old woman who sustained a head injury from an automobile accident 4 hours earlier, the nurse notices the following changes: pupils were equal, but now the right pupil is fully dilated and nonreactive, and the left pupil is 4 mm and reacts to light. What do these findings suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased intracranial pressure. The sudden change in pupil size and reactivity indicates a neurological emergency, likely due to increased pressure within the skull. The dilated and nonreactive pupil on the right side (anisocoria) is a sign of uncal herniation, a life-threatening condition where brain structures shift and compress the third cranial nerve. The left pupil's normal size and reaction indicate that it is still functioning properly. This asymmetrical pupil response is a classic sign of elevated intracranial pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not account for the specific neurological findings observed in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse knows that determining whether a person is oriented to his or her surroundings will test the functioning of which structure(s)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cerebrum. The cerebrum is responsible for higher brain functions, including cognition, perception, and awareness of surroundings. Orientation to surroundings involves awareness of time, place, and person, which are cognitive functions controlled by the cerebrum. The cerebellum (B) controls coordination and balance, not orientation. The CNS (C) includes the brain and spinal cord, but specifically, the cerebrum is responsible for orientation. The medulla oblongata (D) regulates vital functions like breathing and heart rate, not orientation. Thus, choice A is correct as it directly relates to cognitive functions necessary for orientation.