ATI RN
Pediatric Neurological NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which following statements concerning the spinal cord is correct:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The spinal cord has a cervical enlargement for the brachial plexus . The spinal cord has two enlargements: the cervical enlargement (C5-T1), which supplithe brachial plexus for the upper limbs, and the lumbosacral enlargement (L1-S3), for the lower limbs. This is a correct anatomical feature. Choice B is incorrect because spinal nervattach to the spinal cord via anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal) roots, not rami (rami are branchafter the nerve forms). Choice C is wrong as the spinal cord typically ends at L1-L2 in adults, not L4. Choice D is incorrect because the denticulate ligaments anchor the spinal cord to the dura mater, not directly to the vertebral pedicles. Thus, A accurately describa feature of the spinal cord, making it the correct answer.
Question 2 of 5
Tracing an impulse from the brain to the effector organ, which of the following is NOT part of the motor pathway that will ultimately end in parasympathetic stimulation of the parotid gland:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomic nuclei in the lateral horn gray matter , which is not part of the pathway. Parasympathetic stimulation of the parotid gland involvthe glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The pathway starts with preganglionic neurons in the inferior salivatory nucleus (brainstem, not hypothalamus as in A), exits via CN IX, synapsin the otic ganglion (outside CNS, as in C), and uspreganglionic neurons with cell bodiin the CNS . Choice B refers to the lateral horn (T1-L2), which is for sympathetic outflow (e.g., to sweat glands), not parasympathetic to the parotid. Thus, B is not part of this parasympathetic pathway, making it the correct answer.
Question 3 of 5
If the knee jerk is lost, which of the following roots is most likely affected:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: L4 . The knee jerk reflex (patellar reflex) tests the integrity of the L3-L4 nerve roots, primarily L4, via the femoral nerve, which innervatthe quadriceps femoris. Loss of this reflex indicatL4 root dysfunction, often due to disc herniation (e.g., L3-L4). Choice A, L3, contributbut is less dominant than L4. Choice C, S1, affects ankle jerk and plantar flexion, not knee jerk. Choice D, S2, is unrelated (e.g., affects plantar muscles). Thus, L4 is the most likely affected root, making B the correct answer.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following represents the function of Posterior White Column-Medial Lemniscal Pathway:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Conscious Proprioception . The posterior white column-medial lemniscal pathway transmits fine touch, vibration, and conscious proprioception (position sense) from the body to the brain. It involvdorsal columns (fasciculus gracilis and cuneatus), medial lemniscus, and VPL thalamus. Choice A (temperature) and B (pain) are incorrect as these are carried by the spinothalamic tract. Choice D (crude touch) is wrong because fine, discriminative touch is via this pathway, while crude touch is spinothalamic. Thus, C accurately reflects the pathways role, making it correct.
Question 5 of 5
Regarding posterior white column medial lemniscal pathway, choose the WRONG statement:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fasciculus cuneatus transmits information coming from areas inferior to T6 . The fasciculus cuneatus carriproprioception, vibration, and fine touch from the upper body (above T6), while the fasciculus gracilis handlbelow T6. Choice A is true (faster myelinated fibers). Choice C is correct (ipsilateral loss below lesion). Choice D is accurate (excludfree nerve endings, used by spinothalamic). Thus, B misattributcuneatus function, making it the wrong statement and the correct answer.