ATI RN
Test Questions on Autonomic Nervous System MCAT Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A family of a client with a subarachnoid hemorrhage asks the nurse for an explanation of this diagnosis. The nurse explains that the client is bleeding into what area of the brain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space (between arachnoid and pia mater). Other options describe epidural or ventricular bleeds.
Question 5 of 5
The thalamus is located in the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The thalamus is a major structure in the diencephalon, part of the forebrain, acting as a relay station for sensory and motor signals. It is not in the telencephalon (cerebrum), mesencephalon (midbrain), metencephalon (pons/cerebellum), or myelencephalon (medulla).