ATI LPN
Neurology Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male patient who has right-sided weakness after a stroke is making progress in learning to use the left hand for feeding and other activities. The nurse observes that when the patient's wife is visiting, she feeds and dresses him. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The information supports the diagnosis of disabled family coping because the wife does not understand the rehabilitation program. There are no data supporting low self-esteem, and the patient is attempting independence. The data do not support an interruption in family processes because this may be a typical pattern for the couple. There is no indication that the patient has impaired nutrition.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
A 26-year-old male presents with moderate 'tightening' bilateral headache. These headaches began approximately one week ago. He denies any sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, fatigue, changes in memory and does not experience nausea or vomiting. Headache episodes last a few hours. He is stressed about a presentation he has to give to his company owners later this week. He remembers having occasional headaches with fatigue or stress dating back to his teenage years. There is no significant past medical history. Funduscopic evaluation is negative for papilledema, and there is pericranial muscle tenderness upon palpation. The remainder of his neurological examination is normal. Which of the following is most appropriate next step in diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bilateral, tightening headache with stress and muscle tenderness, without red flags (e.g., papilledema), suggests tension-type headache. Imaging is not indicated in the absence of neurological deficits or sinister features.
Question 4 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 5 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.