HESI RN
NCLEX Questions on Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with a subdural hematoma becomes restless and confused, with dilation of the ipsilateral pupil. The physician orders mannitol for which of the following reasons?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that draws fluid from the brain tissue into the vascular system, reducing intracranial pressure (ICP). This is critical in cases of subdural hematoma, where increased ICP can lead to brain herniation and further neurological damage. The drug works by creating an osmotic gradient, pulling water from the extracellular space of the brain into the bloodstream, which is then excreted by the kidneys. This mechanism helps alleviate symptoms like restlessness, confusion, and pupil dilation caused by increased ICP.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse notes that a patient is not able to voluntarily move the right arm. Which part of the brain should the nurse suspect is affected in this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The frontal lobes contain the motor areas that generate the impulses that bring about voluntary movement. Each motor area controls movement on the opposite side of the body. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance, while the parietal lobe processes sensory information. The hypothalamus regulates autonomic functions and is not directly involved in voluntary movement.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with a cerebral tumor. For which function should the nurse expect to assess an abnormality?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A cerebral tumor in the frontal lobe may affect movement and speech, as this area contains the motor cortex and Broca's area. Reflex movements are controlled by the spinal cord, coordination by the cerebellum, and heart rate by the medulla. Assessing movement and speech is critical for localizing the tumor's effects.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is providing care for an 87-year-old woman who is recovering from a cerebral vascular accident. Which precaution should the nurse take after noting the patient has a positive Romberg test?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter. Which disease or disorder results when the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine die?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parkinson disease is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. Multiple sclerosis and ALS involve different neurological mechanisms, while seizure disorders are related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Dopamine's role in motor control is critical to understanding Parkinson disease.