What is the outermost membrane surrounding the brain called?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, dura mater. The dura mater is the outermost membrane surrounding the brain, providing a tough protective layer. Pia mater (A) is the innermost layer, while arachnoid mater (B) is the middle layer. Choice D, alma mater, is a term referring to one's former school or college and is not related to brain anatomy. In summary, dura mater is the correct answer as it is the outermost protective membrane surrounding the brain, while the other choices refer to inner layers or are unrelated terms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, and posture. Damage to the cerebellum can result in symptoms like unsteadiness and difficulty maintaining balance. The thalamus (A) is involved in relaying sensory and motor signals but is not directly related to balance. The brainstem (B) plays a role in basic life functions like breathing and heart rate, not balance. The extrapyramidal tract (D) is involved in regulating motor activities but is not primarily responsible for balance control.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the patient is unconcerned about the blindness, indicating that the symptom is relieving anxiety. This is characteristic of conversion disorder where physical symptoms alleviate psychological distress. Other choices are incorrect because the patient is not necessarily suppressing feelings (A), not meeting needs through hospitalization (C), and not refusing to disclose fears (D).

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia typically struggles with memory loss. By describing previously forgotten experiences, the patient demonstrates progress in accessing and processing their memories. This indicates improvement in their ability to execute complex mental processes. A - Functioning independently is too broad and does not directly address the cognitive aspect of dissociative amnesia. B - Verbalizing feelings of safety focuses more on emotional regulation rather than cognitive abilities. C - Regularly attending diversional activities may be beneficial for overall well-being but does not specifically target the core issue of memory impairment in dissociative amnesia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action to take first is option B) Check the Foley tubing for kinks or obstruction. The patient's presentation with a sudden severe headache, along with increased blood pressure, decreased heart rate, diaphoresis, and flushing, indicates autonomic dysreflexia, a medical emergency commonly seen in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by a sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure triggered by a noxious stimulus below the level of injury, such as a blocked urinary catheter (Foley tubing). Checking the Foley tubing for kinks or obstruction is crucial because addressing this issue can help alleviate the noxious stimulus triggering autonomic dysreflexia and prevent further complications such as seizures, stroke, or even death. The other options are not the most appropriate actions to take in this situation: A) Administering acetaminophen may help with the headache but does not address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia. C) Adjusting the room temperature is not a priority when dealing with a medical emergency like autonomic dysreflexia. D) Notifying the physician is important but should come after addressing the immediate issue of the blocked Foley tubing to stabilize the patient's condition. This case underscores the importance of prompt recognition and intervention in managing autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injuries, highlighting the critical role of nursing assessment and quick decision-making in ensuring patient safety and well-being.