ATI RN
Questions Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is being evaluated for an acute onset of a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, and a change in mental status. Which assessment finding would confirm a definitive diagnosis of meningitis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: White blood cells (WBC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In meningitis, an infection of the meninges, the CSF will show an elevated WBC count indicating an inflammatory response. This finding is crucial for confirming the diagnosis as it directly reflects the presence of infection in the central nervous system. A: While a Glasgow Coma Scale score <15 may indicate altered mental status, it is not specific to meningitis. B: Pseudomonas aeruginosa on blood culture suggests a bacterial infection but does not confirm meningitis specifically. C: A normal MRI may not show definitive signs of meningitis, as the diagnosis is primarily made through CSF analysis.
Question 2 of 5
The causes of somatic system disorders may be related to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Somatic system disorders involve physical symptoms with no apparent medical cause. Step 2: Faulty perceptions of body sensations can lead to exaggerated or misinterpreted physical symptoms. Step 3: This can result in somatic system disorders like hypochondriasis or somatic symptom disorder. Step 4: Traumatic childhood events (choice B) may contribute to psychological disorders but are not specific to somatic system disorders. Step 5: Culture-bound phenomena (choice C) and mood instability (choice D) are not primary causes of somatic system disorders. Summary: The correct answer is A because faulty perceptions of body sensations can directly contribute to somatic system disorders, while the other choices are not directly related to the development of these disorders.
Question 3 of 5
A patient reports sudden weakness on one side of their body. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sudden weakness on one side of the body may indicate a neurological issue, such as a stroke. A focused neurologic assessment is essential. Oxygen saturation, skin color, and blood glucose levels are secondary considerations.
Question 4 of 5
When performing a neurologic assessment on an elderly patient, the nurse should be aware that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Age-related changes, such as slower reflexes, altered gait, and memory decline, are common in elderly patients. Neurologic function may differ from younger individuals.
Question 5 of 5
When testing for motor function, the nurse should be aware of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Motor function testing involves assessing symmetry and strength of muscle movements. Skin color, blood glucose levels, and heart rate are unrelated to motor function.