ATI RN
Questions Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 33-year-old female presents with drooping of her eyelid that seem to occur while reading or watching television. This appears to get worse later in the day. She also reports that at times she sees "double." A few weeks ago, she was prescribed an antibiotic medication for a urinary tract infection. She does not recall the name of the antibiotic. On physical exam, bilateral ptosis, with the left affected more than the right is seen. Pupillary function intact. A glove is filled with ice, and subsequently applied to the patient's eyelid. After two minutes, the patient's ptosis has improved. Which of the following is most likely to yield rapid symptom improvement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's symptoms of ptosis and diplopia that worsen with activity and improve with rest are classic for myasthenia gravis. The ice pack test, which improves ptosis, further supports this diagnosis. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine, are the first-line treatment for symptomatic improvement in myasthenia gravis. Corticosteroids and plasma exchange are used for long-term management or severe cases, while thymectomy is a surgical option for thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis.
Question 2 of 5
A young adult client complains of blurred vision and muscle spasms that come and go over the past several months. On what information from the client's history should the nurse focus to help identify this help problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A family history of MS or related autoimmune conditions, as well as geographic factors (e.g., higher prevalence in northern latitudes), can provide clues to the diagnosis. Depression is common in MS but is not diagnostic.
Question 3 of 5
A 63-year-old patient taking carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 mg four times a day for PD is experiencing end-of-dose wearing off. The best recommendation is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Entacapone, like tolcapone, is a COMT inhibitor that can help manage wearing-off symptoms by extending the duration of levodopa's effect.
Question 4 of 5
During an assessment, Nurse Johnson observes Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign in a patient. She recognizes these as two classic indicators associated with a specific medical condition. Which disorder is Nurse Johnson likely considering based on these signs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign are indicative of meningeal irritation, commonly seen in meningitis.
Question 5 of 5
Electrical stimulation of the reticular formation would most likely cause an animal to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a key role in regulating arousal and consciousness. Electrical stimulation of this area can activate the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS), which promotes wakefulness and alertness. This is why stimulating the reticular formation would most likely cause a sleeping animal to wake up. The reticular formation also helps filter sensory information and maintain attention.