NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Neurological Disorders Questions
Extract:
The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a 26-year-old female client.
Item 1 of 6
History and Physical
1702: The client reports a headache that has persisted for 48 hours. She describes the pain as constant, throbbing, and behind her left eye. She states that in the past six months, these headaches have occurred two to three times a month. The client reports visual disturbances, including flashes of light and blurred vision, often precede headaches. During the headache episodes, she experiences nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. She notes that stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods such as chocolate seem to trigger the headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide minimal relief. Her spouse reports new symptoms, stating that she became confused earlier in the day, had difficulty speaking, and had right arm weakness, all of which resolved before she arrived at the ED. Medical history of generalized anxiety and panic disorder for which she takes escitalopram 20 mg p.o. daily and buspirone 15 mg p.o. daily. Family history of ischemic stroke, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
Physical Examination
Neurological exam: Steady gait and cranial nerves grossly intact. Phonophobia.
Pupils: 3 mm and brisk with some tearing in both eyes. Sensitive to pen light.
Head and neck examination: Denies sinus pain and full cervical range of motion.
Integumentary: Skin warm to touch and pale pink in tone.
Cardiovascular: Peripheral pulses 2+ and no peripheral edema.
Respiratory: Clear lung sounds bilaterally.
Gastrointestinal: Reports persistent nausea. Normoactive bowel sounds in all quadrants. No distention.
Psych: Anxious and in moderate distress. Cooperative.
Vital Signs: Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg Heart rate: 72 bpm Respiratory rate: 16 Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C) Oxygen saturation: 98% on room air
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is assessing the client with a persistent headache. Which two (2) findings from the client's history and physical examination are most concerning and require immediate intervention?
Correct Answer: C,F
Rationale: Confusion, difficulty speaking, and right arm weakness suggest a possible stroke or other serious neurological condition, requiring immediate intervention. Throbbing headache, visual disturbances, nausea, and medication use are less urgent.
Extract:
Question 2 of 5
Correct Answer:
Rationale:
Question 3 of 5
Correct Answer:
Rationale:
Question 4 of 5
Correct Answer:
Rationale:
Question 5 of 5
Correct Answer:
Rationale: