ATI RN
Test Questions on Autonomic Nervous System MCAT Questions
Question 1 of 5
Inability to walk a straight line may indicate damage to which cranial nerve?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) mediates balance; damage causes ataxia (e.g., staggering gait). Others affect eye movement or tongue.
Question 2 of 5
The interior surface of the membrane of a nonconducting neuron differs from the exterior surface in that it is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: At rest, the interior is negatively charged (~-70 mV) with less Na⁺ and more K⁺ compared to the exterior (positive, high Na⁺), due to the sodium-potassium pump.
Question 3 of 5
The interruptions occurring at regular intervals along a myelin-coated axon are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials regenerate, enabling saltatory conduction.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing the cranial nerve (CN) function of a college athlete following a head injury. The client can positively identify the aroma of coffee, cloves, and ammonia. The nurse would record that which of the following cranial nerves is functional?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CN I (olfactory) mediates smell, as demonstrated by identifying aromas. CN II (optic) is for vision, CN III (oculomotor) and CN IV (trochlear) control eye movement.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is about to begin chemotherapy for colon cancer expresses concern about the effects of the drugs on the brain. The nurse can reassure this client based on knowledge of what protective feature of the central nervous system (CNS)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The blood-brain barrier restricts drug entry into the CNS, protecting the brain from many chemotherapy agents. CSF cushions, myelin insulates, neuroglia support.