ATI RN
Questions Neurological System Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
Damage to the hippocampus is most likely to impair:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The hippocampus is a brain structure critical for forming and retrieving memories, particularly long-term memories. Damage to the hippocampus, such as from injury or disease, can result in severe memory impairments, including the inability to form new memories (anterograde amnesia) or recall past events (retrograde amnesia). The hippocampus also plays a role in spatial navigation and contextual learning, making it essential for cognitive function.
Question 4 of 5
Which is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and is involved in nearly all excitatory brain functions. It plays a key role in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Glutamate binds to receptors on postsynaptic neurons, promoting the transmission of signals. However, excessive glutamate activity can lead to excitotoxicity, causing neuronal damage and contributing to conditions like stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
Question 5 of 5
Executive Functions: involve problem-solving, planning, initiative, organising, and they monitor and inhibit complex behaviours. These functions are normally associated with which area of the brain?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The prefrontal cortex, located in the frontal lobe of the brain, is primarily responsible for executive functions such as problem-solving, planning, decision-making, and self-regulation. This brain region plays a critical role in coordinating complex cognitive processes and inhibiting inappropriate behaviors. Damage to the prefrontal cortex can result in significant impairments in executive functioning, leading to difficulties in managing daily tasks and adapting to new situations.