ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The area of the nervous system that is responsible for mediating reflexes is the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Spinal cord. The spinal cord is responsible for mediating reflexes due to its role in transmitting sensory information to the brain and coordinating motor responses without involving higher brain centers. Reflex actions are quick, involuntary responses to stimuli that help protect the body. The medulla (A) controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat, the cerebellum (B) coordinates movement and balance, and the cerebral cortex (D) is involved in higher cognitive functions like thinking and decision-making, but not reflex actions.
Question 2 of 5
A college student observes a roommate going out wearing uncharacteristically seductive clothing, returning 12 to 24 hours later, and then sleeping for 8 to 12 hours. At other times, the roommate sits on the floor speaking like a young child. Which health problem should be considered?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dissociative identity disorder. The roommate displaying different behaviors indicates potential dissociation, where different identities or states of consciousness take control. Seductive clothing and extended absence may indicate a different identity, while childlike speech may suggest another identity. This pattern aligns with the criteria for dissociative identity disorder. Functional neurological disorder (Choice A) involves physical symptoms without a clear organic cause. Dissociative amnesia (Choice C) pertains to memory loss due to psychological trauma. Body dysmorphic disorder (Choice D) involves obsession with perceived flaws in physical appearance. These options do not align with the diverse behaviors and identity shifts observed in the roommate.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with depersonalization disorder tells the nurse, It's starting again. I feel as though I'm going to float away. The nurse should help the patient by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: helping the patient focus on the here and now. This is appropriate for depersonalization disorder as it helps the patient ground themselves in reality and reduce dissociative symptoms. Encouraging meditation (A) may exacerbate dissociation by further disconnecting the patient from reality. Administering an anxiolytic medication (B) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Helping the patient visualize a pleasant scene (C) may be soothing but may not be effective in addressing the dissociative symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
You are preparing to admit a patient with a seizure disorder. Which of the following actions can you delegate to the LPN/LVN?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of admitting a patient with a seizure disorder, delegating tasks appropriately is crucial for effective patient care. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Pad the side rails before the patient arrives. This task can be safely delegated to the LPN/LVN because it is within their scope of practice and does not require advanced assessment skills. Padding the side rails helps prevent injury during a seizure by providing a soft surface in case the patient hits or thrashes against the rails. It is a proactive safety measure that can be done in advance of the patient's arrival without the need for immediate assessment or intervention. The other options are not suitable for delegation to the LPN/LVN in this situation. Completing the admission assessment (option A) requires thorough assessment skills and critical thinking abilities typically performed by the RN. Setting up oxygen and suction equipment (option B) involves ensuring proper functioning and appropriate settings, which are tasks best handled by a more experienced nurse. Placing a padded tongue blade at the bedside (option C) is not recommended as tongue blades are generally contraindicated during a seizure due to the risk of injury. This task also involves a level of judgment and decision-making that falls within the RN's scope of practice. By understanding the rationale behind delegating tasks based on scope of practice and patient safety, nursing students can develop the necessary skills to prioritize and assign responsibilities effectively in various clinical scenarios involving patients with neurological conditions like seizure disorders.
Question 5 of 5
You are providing care for a patient with an acute hemorrhagic stroke. The patient's husband has been reading a lot about strokes and asks why his wife did not receive alteplase. What is your best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Alteplase dissolves clots and may cause more bleeding into your wife's brain. In the context of an acute hemorrhagic stroke, where bleeding in the brain has already occurred, administering a clot-busting medication like alteplase can exacerbate the bleeding, leading to further damage and complications. It is crucial to differentiate between ischemic strokes (where a clot blocks blood flow) and hemorrhagic strokes (where a blood vessel ruptures), as the management approaches are different. Option A is incorrect because it does not address the specific risk of using alteplase in a hemorrhagic stroke. Option B is incorrect as alteplase is not primarily used for acute heart attacks but for ischemic strokes. Option D is incorrect as a history of gallbladder surgery is not a contraindication for alteplase use in stroke management. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the use or avoidance of specific treatments in different types of strokes is vital for nursing practice, especially in emergency situations like acute strokes. It highlights the importance of accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment selection based on the underlying pathology to optimize patient outcomes and prevent harm.