ATI RN
Neurological System Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Parkinson's disease can be confirmed by
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In assessing Parkinson's disease, the correct answer is B) relief of symptoms with administration of dopaminergic agents. This is the gold standard for confirming Parkinson's disease as it is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopamine deficiency in the brain. Dopaminergic agents help alleviate symptoms by increasing dopamine levels. Option A) CT and MRI scans are not typically used to confirm Parkinson's disease as they do not directly show the specific dopamine deficiency that characterizes the disease. These imaging techniques may be used to rule out other conditions that could present with similar symptoms. Option C) the presence of tremors that increase during voluntary movement is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, but it is not specific enough to confirm the diagnosis on its own as other conditions can also cause tremors. Option D) cerebral angiogram revealing cerebral atherosclerosis is unrelated to Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is not caused by atherosclerosis, but rather by the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Educationally, understanding the diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately identify and manage patients with this condition. Knowing the importance of dopaminergic agents in symptom relief helps in providing appropriate treatment and improving patient outcomes. It is also essential to differentiate Parkinson's disease from other conditions with similar symptoms to ensure proper management and care.
Question 2 of 5
A young patient with a fractured femur has a hip spica cast applied. While the cast is drying, what should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Cover the cast with a light blanket to avoid chilling from evaporation. This is the correct action to take because when a hip spica cast is applied, it is important to prevent chilling from the drying process. Covering the cast with a light blanket helps retain the patient's body heat and prevents hypothermia. Option A) Elevating the legs above the level of the heart for 24 hours is not necessary and could potentially cause discomfort to the patient with a hip spica cast. Option B) Turning the patient every 2 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining circulation, but it is not the immediate priority while the cast is drying. Option D) Assessing the patient frequently for abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting is important in general care but is not directly related to the application of the hip spica cast. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the specific care requirements for patients with different types of casts to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery. Teaching correct procedures for cast care is essential to promote patient comfort and safety.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with an extracapsular hip fracture is admitted to the orthopedic unit and placed in Buck's traction. The nurse explains to the patient that the purpose of the traction is to do what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C, "Reduce pain and muscle spasms before surgery," is the correct answer. Buck's traction is commonly used in patients with hip fractures to alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms, and prevent further displacement of the fracture before surgical intervention. By applying traction, the muscles surrounding the fracture are relaxed, which helps to decrease pain and muscle spasms. This preparatory step is crucial before surgery to ensure better outcomes and facilitate the surgical procedure. Option A, "Pull bone fragments back into alignment," is incorrect because traction is not typically used to directly realign bone fragments in an extracapsular hip fracture. This type of fracture usually requires surgical intervention for realignment and stabilization. Option B, "Immobilize the leg until healing is complete," is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction. While immobilization is important, the main goal of Buck's traction in this context is to provide pain relief and muscle relaxation. Option D, "Prevent damage to the blood vessels at the fracture site," is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction. While traction can indirectly help by reducing muscle spasms and preventing further displacement of the fracture, its main purpose in this case is pain management and muscle relaxation. From an educational standpoint, understanding the rationale behind using Buck's traction in orthopedic care is essential for nursing students and healthcare professionals. It is important to grasp the specific goals and benefits of traction in different clinical scenarios to provide effective patient care and optimize outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Priority Decision: A patient with severe ulnar deviation of the hands undergoes an arthroplasty with reconstruction and replacement of finger joints. Postoperatively, what is it most important for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is B) Perform neurovascular assessments of the fingers q2-4hr. The rationale behind this choice is rooted in the critical need for monitoring postoperative patients for any signs of compromised blood flow or nerve function, which could lead to complications such as ischemia or nerve damage. Performing frequent neurovascular assessments allows the nurse to quickly identify and address any circulation or nerve-related issues that may arise after the arthroplasty procedure. Early detection and prompt intervention in cases of compromised blood flow or nerve function can prevent serious complications and promote optimal healing and recovery for the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect in this scenario. Positioning the fingers lower than the elbow (Option A) is not the priority compared to monitoring neurovascular status. While gentle finger exercises (Option C) are important for postoperative rehabilitation, they do not take precedence over neurovascular assessments in ensuring the patient's safety and recovery. Additionally, reminding the patient about the importance of hand function over cosmetic appearance (Option D) is not as immediately critical as ensuring the patient's neurovascular status is stable postoperatively. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the priority of neurovascular assessments postoperatively is crucial for nurses caring for patients undergoing hand surgery. It emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring and early intervention to prevent complications and promote positive outcomes for surgical patients.
Question 5 of 5
A health care provider diagnoses a patient with a plantar wart. What should the nurse know about this kind of abnormality?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Papilloma growth on the sole of the foot. A plantar wart is a type of papilloma caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the skin on the sole of the foot. Understanding this is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Option B) Thickening of skin on the weight-bearing part of the foot is incorrect because it describes calluses or corns, not plantar warts. Option C) Local thickening of skin caused by pressure on bony prominences refers to a corn, not a plantar wart. Option D) Tumor on nerve tissue between the third and fourth metatarsal heads is incorrect as it describes a Morton's neuroma, not a plantar wart. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to differentiate between various skin abnormalities to provide proper care and treatment. Understanding the characteristics and etiology of plantar warts helps nurses educate patients on prevention strategies and treatment options. Nurses play a crucial role in patient education and promoting foot health, making accurate knowledge of foot abnormalities essential.