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Neurology Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 39-year-old female presents with progressive weakness in her shoulders and hips over a period of two months. She states that getting up from a chair, climbing a flight of stairs, combing her hair, and picking up her groceries have become increasingly difficult. Family history is significant for colon cancer in her father, and systemic lupus erythematosus in the mother. Creatine kinase and LDH is elevated on laboratory testing. On physical examination, an erythematous rash in the periorbital region is seen. Mild swelling is noted in the small joints of the hand. Muscle tenderness is elicited upon palpation of the shoulders and hips. 4-/5 strength is appreciated in the deltoid, and hip. Which of the following is the best treatment for her symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dermatomyositis (proximal weakness, rash, elevated CK/LDH) responds best to corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) as initial treatment to reduce inflammation. Methotrexate is a steroid-sparing agent, hydroxychloroquine is for SLE, rituximab is for refractory cases, and IVIG is not first-line.
Question 2 of 5
A 46-year-old man presents with restlessness, depression, and weight loss. Initially, he noticed increased clumsiness, and now has had involuntary, jerky-like movements of his upper extremity. He incorporates the involuntary movements into his purposeful movements so his wife does not notice. His father committed suicide, and his mother is currently healthy. He has been having difficulty with work due to problems with multi-tasking, and decision making. On physical examination, delayed saccadic initiation is appreciated, as well as difficulty with finger tapping, and maintaining steady grip. Which of the following is most likely the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chorea (jerky movements), cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms with a family history (father’s suicide) suggest Huntington disease, an autosomal dominant disorder. Myoclonus is briefer, tics are suppressible, and MSA involves parkinsonism.
Question 3 of 5
The job of the Nervous System is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nervous system receives sensory input (via receptors), integrates it (in the brain/spinal cord), and triggers motor output (via effectors), encompassing all listed functions.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following statements regarding the nervous system is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Motor neurons transmit signals from the CNS to effector cells (muscles, glands), while sensory neurons carry signals from receptors to the CNS. The PNS includes nerves and ganglia, and the CNS includes both brain and spinal cord.
Question 5 of 5
Neurotransmitters that open Na⁺ channels and trigger action potentials in receiving cells are called
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Excitatory neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate) depolarize the postsynaptic membrane by opening Na⁺ channels, increasing the likelihood of an action potential.