ATI RN
Review of Systems Neurological Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The patient's spinal cord injury is at T4. What is the highest-level goal of rehabilitation that is realistic for this patient to have?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Be independent in self-care and wheelchair use. For a patient with a spinal cord injury at T4, the highest-level goal of rehabilitation that is realistic is to achieve independence in self-care and wheelchair use. This is because a T4 injury typically results in paraplegia, affecting the trunk and lower extremities. While options A, B, and D involve some form of ambulation, they are not realistic goals for a patient with a T4 injury. Option A, indoor mobility in a manual wheelchair, may be achievable but does not encompass the full range of functional independence needed for daily living. Option B, ambulating with crutches and leg braces, is not feasible due to the level of the injury affecting the lower extremities. Option D, completely independent ambulation with short leg braces and canes, is also not achievable given the location of the spinal cord injury. In an educational context, understanding the level and implications of a spinal cord injury is crucial in setting appropriate rehabilitation goals. It is important for healthcare professionals to tailor rehabilitation plans to the individual's specific injury level to maximize functional independence and quality of life.
Question 2 of 5
The patient has a burning, sharp pain on the sole of the foot, especially in the morning. The nurse knows that this describes what common musculoskeletal problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal problem characterized by a burning, sharp pain on the sole of the foot, especially in the morning. This condition typically results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Option A) Pes planus refers to flat feet and is not typically associated with the described symptoms. Option B) Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the tendon sheath and presents with different symptoms such as swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Option D) Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue and is not directly related to the symptoms described in the question. Educationally, understanding common musculoskeletal problems like plantar fasciitis is essential for healthcare providers, especially nurses, as they play a crucial role in identifying, managing, and educating patients about these conditions. Recognizing the specific symptoms associated with different musculoskeletal issues enables appropriate interventions and timely referrals to optimize patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A diagnosis of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm has been made in a patient with manifestations of a stroke. The nurse anticipates which treatment option that would be considered for the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the case of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm with stroke symptoms, the correct treatment option that the nurse would anticipate is surgical clipping of the aneurysm (Option B). This intervention involves surgically closing off the aneurysm to prevent further bleeding and potential complications. Surgical clipping is the preferred treatment for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm as it directly addresses the source of bleeding, reducing the risk of re-rupture and allowing for better long-term outcomes. This procedure is often performed emergently to minimize the chances of neurological deficits and mortality associated with aneurysm rupture. The other options are not the first-line treatments for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm: A) Hyperventilation therapy is used to lower intracranial pressure in certain neurological conditions but is not the primary treatment for a ruptured aneurysm. C) Administration of hyperosmotic agents may be used to reduce cerebral edema, but it does not directly treat the aneurysm itself. D) Thrombolytic therapy is used for ischemic strokes caused by blood clots, not for ruptured aneurysms. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the treatment of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is crucial for nurses caring for patients with neurological conditions. It is essential for nurses to recognize the urgency of surgical intervention in such cases to provide timely and appropriate care, potentially saving lives and preventing further complications.
Question 4 of 5
What could the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Obtain the suction equipment from the supply cabinet. Delegating this task to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is appropriate as it falls within their scope of practice and does not require specialized training or critical thinking. UAPs are often trained to perform basic tasks that do not involve assessment or interpretation. Option A, completing the admission assessment, involves gathering crucial patient information that requires a licensed healthcare provider's skills. Option B, explaining the call system to the patient, involves communication and education, which should be done by a healthcare provider. Option D, placing a padded tongue blade on the wall above the patient's bed, involves a potential risk of harm and should only be done by a licensed professional to ensure patient safety. In an educational context, it is important for nurses and other healthcare providers to understand the principles of delegation to optimize patient care and workflow efficiency. Knowing which tasks can be safely delegated to UAPs based on their training and competency levels is essential in providing quality patient care while adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Question 5 of 5
What should the nurse explain about levodopa?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Levodopa is a crucial medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The correct answer is C) It is a precursor of dopamine that is converted to dopamine in the brain. Levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain, where it helps replenish the depleted dopamine levels in patients with Parkinson's disease. This conversion process occurs in the presynaptic terminals of neurons. Option A) It stimulates dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia is incorrect because levodopa itself does not directly stimulate dopamine receptors but rather serves as a precursor for dopamine synthesis. Option B) It promotes the release of dopamine from brain neurons is incorrect as levodopa does not promote the release of dopamine but rather acts as a building block for dopamine production. Option D) It prevents the excessive breakdown of dopamine in the peripheral tissues is incorrect because levodopa primarily acts within the brain to increase dopamine levels, rather than preventing its breakdown in peripheral tissues. Understanding the mechanism of action of levodopa is essential for nurses caring for patients with Parkinson's disease. By knowing that levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, nurses can better educate patients on the importance of medication adherence, timing of doses, and potential side effects related to dopamine replacement therapy. This knowledge also helps nurses monitor for therapeutic effectiveness and manage medication regimens in collaboration with healthcare providers.