ATI RN
Questions Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is checking the deep tendon reflexes of a patient who has compression of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves on the right. Which deep tendon reflex is diminishes?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Compression of the C5 and C6 nerve roots affects the biceps reflex. The brachioradialis, triceps, and patellar reflexes are controlled by different nerve roots (C6, C7, and L2-L4, respectively). A diminished biceps reflex indicates a lesion at C5-C6.
Question 2 of 5
A lumbar puncture is performed on a child suspected of having bacterial meningitis. CSF is obtained for analysis. A nurse reviews the results of the CSF analysis and determines that which of the following results would verify the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bacterial meningitis is characterized by cloudy CSF due to the presence of white blood cells, elevated protein levels, and decreased glucose levels. These findings result from the inflammatory response to bacterial infection in the meninges. Confirming these results is critical for initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Question 3 of 5
The tectum is located in the _____________.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The tectum is part of the midbrain and is involved in auditory and visual reflexes. It includes structures like the superior and inferior colliculi, which play roles in processing sensory information.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient admitted to the emergency room after a motor vehicle crash. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is the most important assessment for evaluating the level of consciousness in a patient with a head injury. The Babinski and Romberg tests assess motor function and balance, while the visual analogue scale measures pain. The GCS provides critical information about the patient's neurological status.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a stroke (brain attack). The patient is unable to understand what the nurse is saying and appears frustrated. What term should the nurse use to document this finding?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Receptive aphasia is the inability to understand spoken or written language, often resulting from damage to Wernicke's area in the brain. Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, confusion is disorientation, and expressive aphasia is difficulty communicating verbally. Accurate documentation is essential for planning patient care.