Chapter 21: The Neurologic System

Chapter 21: The Neurologic System

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is caring for the patient who has had an injury to the hypothalamus. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

a.	Closely control room temperature.
b.	Monitor for signs of hemorrhage.
c.	Protect the patient’s eyes from bright lights.
d.	Turn the patient hourly to maintain skin integrity.

 

 

ANS:  A

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature; therefore, it is important to maintain adequate temperature control of the environment since the body’s ability to regulate the temperature will be affected by injury to the organ. Bleeding, photophobia, and skin integrity are not issues associated with the hypothalamus.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   473, Table 21-1

OBJ:   6 (theory)       TOP:   Hypothalamus

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

2. The nurse differentiates the sympathetic from the parasympathetic nervous systems. Which statement about the sympathetic system is accurate?

a.	The sympathetic system provides energy for “fight or flight” in stressful situations.
b.	The sympathetic system slows the heart rate after a stressful situation.
c.	The sympathetic system supports deep sleep after large expenditures of energy.
d.	The sympathetic system relaxes blood vessels to counteract hypertension.

 

 

ANS:  A

The sympathetic nervous system “gears up” the body for “fight or flight” situations with epinephrine that will raise the blood pressure (BP), reduce bowel motility, and energize the whole body to defend itself in a stressful situation. The parasympathetic system slows the heart rate after stress, supports deep sleep, and relaxes blood vessels.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   475, Table 21-3

OBJ:   2 (theory)       TOP:   Sympathetic Nervous System

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

3. The nurse is assessing an 80-year-old patient. The nurse correctly attributes the slowed knee jerk reflex with which age-related change?

a.	Diminished brain cells
b.	Degeneration of myelin sheath
c.	Weakened muscles
d.	Irritation of nerve roots

 

 

ANS:  B

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the motor nerve fibers and the myelin sheath degenerate with advancing age; reflexes may become diminished or absent with advanced age.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   484

OBJ:   2 (theory)       TOP:   PNS: Diminished Reflexes

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

4. A student nurse questions the nurse about the difference between a quadriplegic and a tetraplegic patient. Which statement correctly describes tetraplegia?

a.	Tetraplegic patients are capable of fewer fine motor movements.
b.	Tetraplegic patients can experience pain in paralyzed parts.
c.	Tetraplegic patients are more easily rehabilitated.
d.	Tetraplegia is the newer term for the old term quadriplegia.

 

 

ANS:  D

Tetraplegia is the newer term for the old term quadriplegia.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   492

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Tetraplegia vs. Quadriplegia

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation