ATI RN
Health Assessment Neurological System Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which nerve projects to the hypothalamus to indicate the level of light stimuli in the retina?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: optic nerve. The optic nerve carries visual information from the retina to the brain, including the hypothalamus. Light stimuli levels are detected by the retina and transmitted via the optic nerve to the hypothalamus for regulating various physiological processes. A: glossopharyngeal - This nerve is responsible for taste and some motor functions in the throat, not related to light stimuli detection in the retina. B: oculomotor - This nerve controls eye movements, not directly involved in transmitting light stimuli levels to the hypothalamus. D: vagus - This nerve is responsible for parasympathetic functions in the body, not related to processing light stimuli information in the retina.
Question 2 of 5
How do humans usually contract neurocysticercosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, ingestion of undercooked pork. This is because neurocysticercosis is caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium, which can be contracted by consuming undercooked pork containing the cysts. The other choices are incorrect because neurocysticercosis is not transmitted through arthropod bites, exposure to contaminated cat feces, or swimming in contaminated water. It is crucial to thoroughly cook pork to prevent this parasitic infection.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse practitioner conducting a neurological assessment on a patient uses a sterile cotton wisp to lightly touch the patient’s forehead, cheek, and chin. The nurse practitioner is testing the:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cranial nerve V (trigeminal). The nurse practitioner is testing the trigeminal nerve's sensory function by using a sterile cotton wisp to assess light touch sensation in the patient's forehead, cheek, and chin. The trigeminal nerve has three branches - ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular - which innervate these areas respectively. By assessing the patient's response to the light touch in these specific areas, the nurse practitioner can determine if the sensory function of the trigeminal nerve is intact. Summary: B: Cranial nerve VII (facial) controls facial expression, not sensation. C: Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal) controls tongue movement, not facial sensation. D: Cranial nerve II (optic) is responsible for vision, not facial sensation.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse assessing a patient diagnosed with a somatic system disorder is most likely to note that the patient:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because patients with somatic system disorders often have unmet needs related to comfort and activity. These patients may focus on physical symptoms to express underlying emotional distress or seek attention. Choice A is incorrect because patients with somatic disorders often struggle to see a relationship between symptoms and psychological conflicts. Choice B is incorrect because patients with somatic disorders may derive secondary gain from their symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because patients with somatic disorders often have difficulty expressing emotional needs.
Question 5 of 5
A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder says, I have pain from an undiagnosed injury. I can't take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family has to help me so much. It is important for the nurse to assess:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: secondary gains. In this scenario, the patient's focus on pain and dependency suggests potential secondary gains, such as attention or avoidance of responsibilities. Assessing secondary gains helps in understanding the underlying motivations for the symptoms. Mood (choice A) may be important but doesn't directly address the patient's behavior. Cognitive style (choice B) and identity/memory (choice D) are not as relevant in this context as secondary gains in somatic symptom disorder.