ATI RN
Autonomic Nervous System NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Expanded distal end of an axon terminal that contains synaptic vesicles.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Synaptic end bulbs are the expanded ends of axon terminals containing synaptic vesicles. Axon terminals are broader, vesicles are contents, and neurotransmitter is a chemical.
Question 2 of 5
If a postsynaptic cell receives EPSPs but not enough to reach the threshold, which of the following will happen?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) don’t reach the threshold (~-55 mV), no action potential is triggered due to the all-or-none principle. Action potentials don’t vary in strength or number here.
Question 3 of 5
Which neuronal feature is described according to function?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The cell body (soma) houses the nucleus and organelles, supporting neuron function. Dendrites receive signals, and axons send them.
Question 4 of 5
A person who sees a lion outside will likely have an increase in heart rate. Why?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Seeing a lion triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which stimulates cardiac muscle to increase heart rate (fight-or-flight). Parasympathetic slows heart rate.
Question 5 of 5
Many cardiac arrhythmias are due to improper regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Which of the following could be a cause of cardiac arrhythmia that arises from the ANS?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The vagus nerve (CN X, parasympathetic) slows heart rate; its failure can cause arrhythmias (e.g., tachycardia). Accessory nerve (XI) is motor, gap junctions are structural, and somatic neurons don’t innervate the heart.