Chapter 24: Care of Patients with Disorders of the Brain

Chapter 24: Care of Patients with Disorders of the Brain

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is caring for a patient who recently suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The family asks the nurse why their father had a seizure. What is the best response by the nurse?

a.	“The seizure was most likely caused by brain cells being deprived of oxygen due to a blood clot in the brain.”
b.	“The stroke generated a toxin that excites the brain cells.”
c.	“The stroke causes an alteration in the cells adjacent to the blood clot.”
d.	“The stroke causes an increase in the depolarization of the brain cells due to the clot formation.”

 

ANS:  A

Thrombi from a CVA can occlude vessels, cutting off oxygen supply to cells of the brain and causing a seizure.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   523                OBJ:   2 (theory)

TOP:   Seizure: Etiology                             KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

2. The nurse is providing teaching to a patient newly diagnosed with simple partial seizure disorder. Which statement by the nurse is most accurate?

a.	“Your seizures will typically only affect one side of your body.”
b.	“Simple partial seizures may result in an alteration of consciousness.”
c.	“The simple partial seizure may cause motor impairment to begin in all of your extremities.”
d.	“Simple partial seizures are not treatable.”

 

 

ANS:  A

Simple partial seizures only involve one side of the brain and one side of the body. Complex partial seizures may or may not result in an alteration in level of consciousness. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the body. Simple partial seizures may respond to treatment.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   524                OBJ:   1 (theory)

TOP:   Simple Partial Seizures                    KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

 

3. The anxious 20-year-old college student who just suffered his first seizure in his dorm room asks the nurse if he is now an epileptic. What is the nurse’s best response?

a.	“No. All other causes of seizure activity must be ruled out before the diagnosis of epilepsy is made.”
b.	“Yes, but you may never have another seizure since it has just now manifested itself.”
c.	“No, but you should see a physician to get a prescription for a preventative antispasmodic.”
d.	“Yes. All seizures are considered to be epilepsy.”

 

 

ANS:  A

Epilepsy diagnosis is made after all other causes of seizure activity have proven negative. All seizures are not considered to be epilepsy.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   523                OBJ:   1 (clinical)

TOP:   Seizures vs. Epilepsy                       KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

4. The nurse instructs a person taking phenytoin (Dilantin) that periodic blood tests will be necessary. What is the physician monitoring for?

a.	Potassium depletion
b.	Liver damage
c.	Increased creatinine levels
d.	Increased sedimentation rates

 

 

ANS:  B

Periodic blood tests are recommended for people taking phenytoin to monitor for liver damage.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   547                OBJ:   1 (clinical)

TOP:   Phenytoin: Adverse Effects              KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies