ATI RN
Questions to Ask About Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The tiny space between neurons or a neuron and its target muscle is the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The synapse is the tiny gap between neurons or between a neuron and its target cell, such as a muscle. It is the site where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals from one cell to another. When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, triggering a response. The synapse is crucial for communication within the nervous system.
Question 2 of 5
The elevated ridges of tissue on the surface of the cerebral hemispheres are known as ______ while the shallow grooves are termed ______.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The elevated ridges on the cerebral hemispheres are called gyri, and the shallow grooves are called sulci. Ganglia, tracts, receptors, and effectors are unrelated to these structures. Thus, B is the correct answer.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.