ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Neurological System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which signaling molecule is most likely responsible for an increase in digestive activity?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating digestive activity by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and promoting smooth muscle contractions. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline are stress hormones that inhibit digestive activity by diverting blood flow away from the digestive system and prioritizing other physiological responses. Therefore, acetylcholine is the most likely signaling molecule to increase digestive activity compared to the other choices.
Question 2 of 5
Which of these diseases can be prevented with a vaccine for humans?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Identify the disease - Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Step 2: Understand the role of a vaccine - a vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the virus. Step 3: Vaccines prevent future infections - by administering a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis, individuals can develop immunity and prevent the disease. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is D because a vaccine is available to prevent Japanese encephalitis. Summary: A, B, and C are incorrect because there are no vaccines available for eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and West Nile encephalitis, respectively.
Question 3 of 5
The area of the nervous system that is responsible for mediating reflexes is the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Spinal cord. The spinal cord is responsible for mediating reflexes due to its role in transmitting sensory information to the brain and coordinating motor responses without involving higher brain centers. Reflex actions are quick, involuntary responses to stimuli that help protect the body. The medulla (A) controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat, the cerebellum (B) coordinates movement and balance, and the cerebral cortex (D) is involved in higher cognitive functions like thinking and decision-making, but not reflex actions.
Question 4 of 5
An elderly patient presents with a right-sided headache and acute loss of vision on the same side. Tenderness is noted to the right temporal region as well as to the scalp. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, the nurse practitioner will order:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Temporal artery biopsy. This is the gold standard for diagnosing giant cell arteritis, which presents with symptoms such as headache, vision loss, and tenderness to the temporal region and scalp. The biopsy will show characteristic inflammatory changes in the artery wall. A: ESR and B: CRP are nonspecific markers of inflammation and can be elevated in various conditions, including giant cell arteritis, but they do not provide a definitive diagnosis. D: CT scan of the head may show signs of inflammation in the temporal artery, but it is less sensitive than a biopsy for diagnosing giant cell arteritis.
Question 5 of 5
A college student observes a roommate going out wearing uncharacteristically seductive clothing, returning 12 to 24 hours later, and then sleeping for 8 to 12 hours. At other times, the roommate sits on the floor speaking like a young child. Which health problem should be considered?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dissociative identity disorder. The roommate displaying different behaviors indicates potential dissociation, where different identities or states of consciousness take control. Seductive clothing and extended absence may indicate a different identity, while childlike speech may suggest another identity. This pattern aligns with the criteria for dissociative identity disorder. Functional neurological disorder (Choice A) involves physical symptoms without a clear organic cause. Dissociative amnesia (Choice C) pertains to memory loss due to psychological trauma. Body dysmorphic disorder (Choice D) involves obsession with perceived flaws in physical appearance. These options do not align with the diverse behaviors and identity shifts observed in the roommate.