Chapter 45: Chronic Disorders of Neurologic Function

Chapter 45: Chronic Disorders of Neurologic Function

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Seizures that involve both hemispheres at the outset are termed

ANS:  D

Episodes in which the entire brain is involved from the onset of the seizure are referred to as generalized seizures. Partial seizures are those in which activity is restricted to one brain hemisphere. Complex partial seizures are restricted to one area of the brain. Focal seizures are classified as partial.

REF:   Pg. 923

2. The primary reason that prolonged seizure activity predisposes to ischemic brain damage is that

ANS:  D

Status epilepticus is a continuing series of seizures without a period of recovery between seizure episodes. Irreversible brain damage and possible death from hypoxia, cardiac arrhythmias, or lactic acidosis can occur if the airway is not maintained and seizure activity is not halted. Prolonged seizure activity is unrelated to glucose transportation by neurons. Status epilepticus can cause cardiac arrhythmias, but the primary concern of prolonged seizure activity is maintaining a proper airway. Brainstem depression is not the primary reason that prolonged seizure activity causes ischemic brain damage.

REF:   Pgs. 923-924

3. The dementia of Alzheimer disease is associated with structural changes in the brain, including

ANS:  A

The hallmark pathophysiologic changes associated with Alzheimer disease include intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid plaques. Degeneration of the basal ganglia is not associated with dementia of Alzheimer disease. Brain atrophy occurs as a result of the amyloid plaques in the brain. Aluminum deposits in the brain are not responsible for dementia of Alzheimer disease.

REF:   Pg. 925

4. Before making a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease

ANS:  C

All manageable causes for dementia or delirium should be ruled out before diagnosing Alzheimer disease. Neuroimaging may be useful in ruling out other neurologic diagnoses. A brain biopsy is not indicated. Evaluation of blood chemistry does not include the presence of aluminum. Increased protein in a lumbar puncture is not indicative of Alzheimer dementia.

REF:   Pg. 927