A 40-year-old man has come into the clinic with complaints of extreme pain in his toes. The nurse notices that his toes are slightly swollen, reddened, and warm to the touch. His complaints would suggest:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute gout. Gout typically presents with sudden onset of severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint, commonly the big toe. In this case, the symptoms described align with acute gout, a condition caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint. Osteoporosis (A) is characterized by weakened bones, not joint pain. Ankylosing spondylitis (C) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine, not typically presenting with toe pain. Degenerative joint disease (D) is a progressive condition involving the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, not usually causing sudden extreme pain like gout.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Central and peripheral. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and generating responses. The peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside the central nervous system, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body. Motor and sensory (choice A) are functions within the nervous system, not separate parts. Peripheral and autonomic (choice C) are both divisions of the peripheral nervous system, not the two main parts. Hypothalamus and cerebral (choice D) are specific structures within the brain, not the two main parts of the nervous system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): 1. "The peripheral nerves carry input to the central nervous system by afferent fibers and away from the central nervous system by efferent fibers." - This statement correctly describes the functions of afferent and efferent fibers in the peripheral nervous system. - Afferent fibers transmit sensory information from the peripheral organs to the central nervous system. - Efferent fibers transmit motor commands from the central nervous system to the peripheral organs. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: "The CNs enter the brain through the spinal cord." - Incorrect because cranial nerves (CNs) directly connect to the brain, bypassing the spinal cord. B: "Efferent fibers carry sensory input to the central nervous system through the spinal cord." - Incorrect because efferent fibers carry motor commands away from the central nervous system, not sensory input towards it. C: "The peripheral nerves are inside the central nervous system and carry impulses through their motor fibers

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reflexes. At 3 months, infants have primitive reflexes such as sucking and grasping, controlled by the brainstem and spinal cord. The nurse is assessing the infant's normal neurological development. Choice B, intelligence, is not appropriate to assess in a 3-month-old. Choice C, CNs (cranial nerves), is too specific for this assessment. Choice D, cerebral cortex function, is not fully developed at this age to control sucking and grasping.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Before testing the sensory system, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the patient's mental status and ability to follow directions. This is important because cognitive impairment, such as short-term memory loss and confusion, can impact the accuracy of sensory testing results. By assessing the patient's mental status first, the nurse can ensure that the sensory test results are valid and reliable. This step is essential in providing accurate and comprehensive care for the patient. A: The nurse should test the sensory system, but assessing mental status is also necessary. B: Mental status can affect sensory ability, so assessing it is crucial. C: While explaining tests is important, assessing mental status should be the priority before testing.