ATI RN
Pediatric Neurological NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The predominant organisms causing brain abscessin children are
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aerobic and anaerobic streptococci dominate pediatric brain abscess(~60%), per IDSA, from sinus/otitis spread. Pneumococcus , enterococcus , bacteroid, and H. aphrophilus are less common. Streptococcis prevalence makes A the correct answer.
Question 2 of 5
Detected by antenatal ultrasonography
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Both hydrocephalus and spina bifida are detectable by antenatal ultrasonography, making C the correct answer. Hydrocephalus shows ventricular enlargement on ultrasound, often by 20 weeks, due to CSF accumulation. Spina bifida, especially open forms, reveals spinal defects (e.g., myelomeningocele) and associated signs like lemon or banana signs. Routine prenatal screening identifithese anomaliwith high sensitivity. Hydrocephalus only or Spina bifida only underestimatultrasounds scope, while Neither contradicts standard practice. The combined detectability of these structural defects, per ACOG guidelines, confirms C as the most accurate choice.
Question 3 of 5
A 6-year-old complains of headachon arising in the morning for 2 months, with head tilt for 2 days. Physical exam shows past pointing and difficulty with rapid alternating hand movements. Fundi are hard to visualize. The next evaluation step should be
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A CT scan is the next step for morning headaches, head tilt, ataxia (past pointing, dysdiadochokinesia), and obscured fundi, suggesting increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from a posterior fossa lesion (e.g., tumor). CT quickly identifimass effect or hydrocephalus, critical before lumbar puncture , which risks herniation with ICP. EEG targets seizures, not present here. A psychologist addressbehavior, not neurologic signs. Vision testing is secondary to imaging. CTs speed and ICP detection, per emergency protocols, make C the correct answer, prioritizing safety and diagnosis.
Question 4 of 5
Papilledema of acute onset is associated with all of the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acute papilledema, from raised ICP, causreduced visual acuity , optic nerve hyperemia , dilated veins , and indistinct borders , reflecting venous congestion. Constricted arteriolare not typical; arteriolmay narrow chronically (e.g., hypertension), but acute ICP elevatvenous pressure, not arterial constriction. This pathophysiology venous stasis versus arterial response makes C the exception and correct answer, per neuro-ophthalmic principles.
Question 5 of 5
Rasmussen encephalitis is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rasmussen encephalitis featurepilepsia partialis continua , onset before 10 years , abnormal EEG , and possible CMV role , but not no sequelae . This chronic focal encephalitis causprogressive hemispheric atrophy, seizures, and deficits (e.g., hemiparesis), ensuring sequelae. No sequelae contradicts its destructive course, per neurology texts, making C the exception and correct answer.