ATI LPN
Neurological Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 72-year-old male is brought by his wife due to unexplained weakness and fatigue. She describes his movements as 'sluggish', and is concerned that he may be depressed. The patient reports difficulty with buttoning his shirt, and double clicking the mouse when using his computer. He states that the recent death of his mother has been difficult to accept, and has noticed his foods don't smell the same, and has been having difficulty with sleep. He does not smoke, but drinks 2-3 beers per week. He says his father suffers from a hand tremor, and his mother passed away from pancreatic cancer. On physical exam, a tremor affecting the right hand improves with purposeful movement. There is an increased resistance to passive movement at the right wrist joint. Which of the following is the best initial treatment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bradykinesia, rigidity, and rest tremor (improving with action) with anosmia suggest Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa is the initial treatment, replenishing dopamine. Primidone is for essential tremor.
Question 2 of 5
The central communication conduit between the brain and the rest of the body is the
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The spinal cord serves as the primary pathway for signals between the brain and the body, connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The brain stem regulates vital functions, but the spinal cord is the conduit.
Question 3 of 5
The gap between the transmitting and receiving neurons in a chemical synapse is known as the
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The synaptic cleft is the small space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons where chemical transmission occurs.
Question 4 of 5
The brain and sensory system of a bilaterally symmetric organism function most like
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The brain directs the body like a pilot, processing sensory input and coordinating responses in bilaterally symmetric organisms.
Question 5 of 5
A physician friend of yours is telling you about a patient with a head injury who suddenly stopped breathing. Your friend explains that the bony rim was pressing against the breathing center. You guess that the 'bony rim' (whatever that is) must have been exerting pressure in the region of the
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The medulla oblongata in the brainstem controls breathing; pressure here (e.g., from a skull fracture) could halt respiration.