ATI RN
Neurological System Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Mrs. C. has a right hemiplegia secondary to a cerebrovascular accident. To avoid aspiration during meals she would be instructed to avoid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) swallowing with her head slightly flexed. This is because individuals with right hemiplegia often have difficulty with swallowing due to impaired muscle control and coordination on the affected side. By flexing the head slightly to the left, Mrs. C. can help direct the food bolus to the stronger, unaffected side of her mouth, making it easier to swallow without the risk of aspiration. Option B) placing food in the left side of her mouth is incorrect because this would not address the underlying issue of impaired swallowing coordination. Option C) eating in an upright position is generally recommended for individuals with swallowing difficulties to aid in the passage of food down the esophagus. Option D) lying down immediately after eating can increase the risk of aspiration as gravity may cause food or liquid to enter the airway. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind these recommendations is crucial for healthcare professionals working with patients with neurological conditions. By knowing the specific strategies to help patients like Mrs. C. prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia, healthcare providers can offer more effective support and improve patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
In helping Mrs. Iris plan her diet, which of the following foods would the nurse help her to select?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In helping Mrs. Iris plan her diet, the nurse would help her select foods that are beneficial for her neurological health. Option A, Chicken, is the correct choice because it is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for maintaining and repairing nerve cells. Protein also helps in neurotransmitter function, which is crucial for proper neurological function. Option B, Milk, while being a good source of calcium and vitamin D, does not directly impact neurological health as significantly as lean protein does. Option C, Ice cream, is high in sugar and saturated fats, which can lead to inflammation and negatively impact neurological health over time. Option D, Cheese, is also high in saturated fats and may not be the best choice for Mrs. Iris's neurological health. In an educational context, understanding the role of nutrition in neurological health is crucial for nurses to help patients like Mrs. Iris make informed dietary choices that support their overall well-being. By choosing lean protein sources like chicken, individuals can better support their neurological function and overall health.
Question 3 of 5
A 40-year-old client presents with a complaint of morning stiffness in her hands, and painful joints of about 3 months duration. On physical examination, you note deviation of the fingers of both hands toward the ulnar side, and swelling and thickening of the proximal interphalangeal joints. You refer the client to a physician for diagnosis and treatment of what you expect to be
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, the client's presentation of morning stiffness, ulnar deviation of fingers, swelling, and thickening of proximal interphalangeal joints are classic signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and deformity if left untreated. Option A) osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease primarily caused by wear and tear on the joints, typically affecting older adults. It does not typically present with the same pattern of joint involvement as described in the case. Option B) degenerative joint disease is a general term for conditions like osteoarthritis, which involve the breakdown of joint cartilage over time. However, the specific symptoms and joint deformities described in the case are more indicative of rheumatoid arthritis. Option D) gouty arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe. The symptoms and joint deformities described in the case do not align with those typically seen in gouty arthritis. Educationally, understanding the distinct clinical presentations of different types of arthritis is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and manage patients. Recognizing the specific signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can lead to timely referral for appropriate treatment, which can help improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with this chronic condition.
Question 4 of 5
Mrs. Rollo has been instructed to check her urine with a multiple test stick. For which abnormal finding should she be particularly alert and report to you when the test is positive?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Protein. Mrs. Rollo should be particularly alert and report to you when the multiple test stick shows a positive result for protein in her urine. This is because the presence of protein in the urine, known as proteinuria, can indicate potential kidney damage or dysfunction. It can be a sign of various underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other systemic diseases. Option A) Glucose is incorrect because the presence of glucose in the urine may indicate diabetes or high blood sugar levels, but it is not the most critical finding to report in this case. Option B) pH of 5 is not the most crucial abnormal finding to report; the pH of urine can vary depending on diet, hydration levels, and other factors. Option D) Ketones are another abnormal finding that may indicate conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or fasting, but protein in the urine is more concerning in this context. Educationally, it is important for individuals to understand the significance of monitoring their urine for abnormal findings like protein as it can serve as an early indicator of potential health issues, especially related to the kidneys. This knowledge empowers individuals to take proactive steps in seeking medical attention and managing their health effectively. Regular monitoring and reporting of abnormal results can lead to timely interventions and improved health outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
In reviewing Mrs. Post's laboratory results, which abnormal test is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Antinuclear antibody (ANA) in confirming the diagnosis for Mrs. Post. ANA is a crucial test in diagnosing autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can present with neurological symptoms. ANA detects autoantibodies that target the cell nucleus, indicating an autoimmune response affecting multiple organs, including the nervous system. Option A) Sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and does not provide information specific to neurological disorders. Option B) Rheumatoid factor is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, primarily affecting the joints, not commonly linked to neurological issues. Option C) LE cells are specific to lupus erythematosus, but not necessarily to neurological involvement. In an educational context, understanding the significance of specific laboratory tests in diagnosing neurological conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals. This question emphasizes the importance of ANA testing in the workup of patients with suspected autoimmune neurological disorders, guiding appropriate treatment and management strategies based on accurate diagnoses.