ATI RN
Neurological System Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What drug therapy is included for acute migraine and cluster headaches that appears to alter the pathophysiologic process for these headaches?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Specific serotonin receptor agonists such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) for acute migraine and cluster headaches. Sumatriptan works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, causing vasoconstriction of the dilated blood vessels that contribute to headache pain. This helps to interrupt the migraine or cluster headache process at the neurochemical level, providing relief. Option A) β-Adrenergic blockers like propranolol are typically used for migraine prevention, not for acute treatment. Option B) Serotonin antagonists like methysergide are not commonly used anymore due to side effects and availability of more effective treatments. Option C) Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline can be used for migraine prevention, but they do not directly target the pathophysiologic process of acute migraine or cluster headaches. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind specific drug therapies for different types of headaches is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively manage and treat patients with these conditions. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions regarding appropriate medications based on the underlying pathophysiology of the headache disorder.
Question 2 of 5
What does the nurse know this patient will need help with?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Self-care activities. When assessing the neurological system, the nurse must consider the impact on the patient's ability to perform self-care activities such as grooming, bathing, toileting, and dressing. Neurological conditions can affect motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function, making it challenging for patients to engage in these activities independently. Option A) Eating could be impacted by neurological conditions, but it is not the most comprehensive answer in terms of addressing the patient's overall self-care needs. Option B) Walking focuses on mobility, which is also important but does not encompass the full range of self-care activities. Option C) Dressing is a specific aspect of self-care, but choosing option D) demonstrates a broader understanding of the patient's holistic needs. In an educational context, understanding the impact of neurological conditions on self-care activities is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care. By selecting option D), nurses demonstrate their ability to assess the patient's functional abilities comprehensively and identify areas where the patient may require assistance or accommodations. This knowledge is essential for developing individualized care plans and promoting the patient's independence and quality of life.
Question 3 of 5
A young patient with a fractured femur has a hip spica cast applied. While the cast is drying, what should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Cover the cast with a light blanket to avoid chilling from evaporation. This is the correct action to take because when a hip spica cast is applied, it is important to prevent chilling from the drying process. Covering the cast with a light blanket helps retain the patient's body heat and prevents hypothermia. Option A) Elevating the legs above the level of the heart for 24 hours is not necessary and could potentially cause discomfort to the patient with a hip spica cast. Option B) Turning the patient every 2 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining circulation, but it is not the immediate priority while the cast is drying. Option D) Assessing the patient frequently for abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting is important in general care but is not directly related to the application of the hip spica cast. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the specific care requirements for patients with different types of casts to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery. Teaching correct procedures for cast care is essential to promote patient comfort and safety.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with an extracapsular hip fracture is admitted to the orthopedic unit and placed in Buck's traction. The nurse explains to the patient that the purpose of the traction is to do what?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, option C, "Reduce pain and muscle spasms before surgery," is the correct answer. Buck's traction is commonly used in patients with hip fractures to alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms, and prevent further displacement of the fracture before surgical intervention. By applying traction, the muscles surrounding the fracture are relaxed, which helps to decrease pain and muscle spasms. This preparatory step is crucial before surgery to ensure better outcomes and facilitate the surgical procedure. Option A, "Pull bone fragments back into alignment," is incorrect because traction is not typically used to directly realign bone fragments in an extracapsular hip fracture. This type of fracture usually requires surgical intervention for realignment and stabilization. Option B, "Immobilize the leg until healing is complete," is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction. While immobilization is important, the main goal of Buck's traction in this context is to provide pain relief and muscle relaxation. Option D, "Prevent damage to the blood vessels at the fracture site," is not the primary purpose of Buck's traction. While traction can indirectly help by reducing muscle spasms and preventing further displacement of the fracture, its main purpose in this case is pain management and muscle relaxation. From an educational standpoint, understanding the rationale behind using Buck's traction in orthopedic care is essential for nursing students and healthcare professionals. It is important to grasp the specific goals and benefits of traction in different clinical scenarios to provide effective patient care and optimize outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
Priority Decision: A patient with severe ulnar deviation of the hands undergoes an arthroplasty with reconstruction and replacement of finger joints. Postoperatively, what is it most important for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is B) Perform neurovascular assessments of the fingers q2-4hr. The rationale behind this choice is rooted in the critical need for monitoring postoperative patients for any signs of compromised blood flow or nerve function, which could lead to complications such as ischemia or nerve damage. Performing frequent neurovascular assessments allows the nurse to quickly identify and address any circulation or nerve-related issues that may arise after the arthroplasty procedure. Early detection and prompt intervention in cases of compromised blood flow or nerve function can prevent serious complications and promote optimal healing and recovery for the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect in this scenario. Positioning the fingers lower than the elbow (Option A) is not the priority compared to monitoring neurovascular status. While gentle finger exercises (Option C) are important for postoperative rehabilitation, they do not take precedence over neurovascular assessments in ensuring the patient's safety and recovery. Additionally, reminding the patient about the importance of hand function over cosmetic appearance (Option D) is not as immediately critical as ensuring the patient's neurovascular status is stable postoperatively. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the priority of neurovascular assessments postoperatively is crucial for nurses caring for patients undergoing hand surgery. It emphasizes the importance of vigilant monitoring and early intervention to prevent complications and promote positive outcomes for surgical patients.