ATI RN
Questions to Ask About Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The Schwann cells form a myelin sheath around the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Schwann cells are responsible for forming the myelin sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Dendrites, cell bodies, nuclei, and nodes of Ranvier are not directly myelinated by Schwann cells. Therefore, D is the correct answer.
Question 2 of 5
At a visit to the provider's office, an older adult patient's partner reports that the patient has nausea, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. He has a history of Alzheimer's disease and is taking donepezil (Aricept). The provider should advise which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil commonly cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. This is due to the increase of acetylcholine in all parts of the body, and its subsequent effect on the gastrointestinal tract and other systems of the body. The provider should explain to the patient and his caregiver that taking the drug with food and at bedtime will help minimize uncomfortable gastrointestinal effects. The provider also should instruct the partner to report vomiting, severe diarrhea, weight loss, or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as dark stools or coffee-ground emesis, especially if the patient is also taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. At this point, it is not necessary to stop taking the drug, reduce the dosage, or undergo liver function tests.
Question 3 of 5
While the nurse performs formal patient assessment, assistive personnel often observe changes when obtaining vital signs or assisting patients with ADL's. When discussing care for a patient with back pain, the nurse should particularly alert the assistant to watch for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bowel and bladder incontinence in a patient with back pain may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency caused by compression of the nerve roots in the lower spine. Dizziness, difficulty swallowing, and arm weakness are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome.
Question 4 of 5
What role, if any, do Hox genes play in specification of neuronal fate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hox genes are crucial for specifying neuronal identity along the antero-posterior axis. Different combinations of Hox genes are expressed in distinct regions of the developing nervous system, providing positional information that guides the differentiation of neurons into specific subtypes. This ensures the proper organization and function of the spinal cord and brain.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for the client with increased intracranial pressure. The nurse would note which of the following trends in vital signs if the ICP is rising?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In increased ICP, Cushing's triad may occur, which includes bradycardia (decreasing pulse), irregular respirations (decreasing respirations), and widening pulse pressure (increasing blood pressure). These signs indicate severe brainstem compression and are late signs of increased ICP, requiring immediate intervention.