ATI RN
Questions Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young adult client complains of blurred vision and muscle spasms that come and go over the past several months. On what information from the client's history should the nurse focus to help identify this help problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A family history of MS or related autoimmune conditions, as well as geographic factors (e.g., higher prevalence in northern latitudes), can provide clues to the diagnosis. Depression is common in MS but is not diagnostic.
Question 2 of 5
During an assessment, Nurse Johnson observes Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign in a patient. She recognizes these as two classic indicators associated with a specific medical condition. Which disorder is Nurse Johnson likely considering based on these signs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Brudzinski's sign and Kernig's sign are indicative of meningeal irritation, commonly seen in meningitis.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.