Chapter 60 Assessment of Neurologic Function Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the dendrites in a neuron?

To carry electrical impulses to the axon terminals

To contain the chromosomes of the neuron

To provide structural support to the neuron

To receive messages from other neurons and allow transmission to the cell body (correct)

What is the main function of the axon in a neuron?

To contain the genetic material of the neuron

To carry electrical impulses from the cell body to the axon terminals (correct)

To transmit messages from the cell body to the dendrites

To provide a site for synaptic transmission

What is the role of the nodes of Ranvier in the axon of a neuron?

To transmit signals from the dendrites to the cell body

To provide a site for synaptic transmission

To insulate the electrical impulse along the axon

To allow the generation of a fast electrical impulse along the axon (correct)

What is the function of the synapse in the transmission of neuronal signals?

To allow the transmission of chemical signals between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the musculoskeletal system in relation to the heart?

To facilitate return of blood to the heart Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of a neuron that contains the chromosomes?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which system includes the cranial nerves and spinal nerves?

Peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?

Neuron Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the musculoskeletal system in relation to the circulatory system?

To facilitate return of blood to the heart Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the musculoskeletal system in relation to body temperature?

To maintain body temperature Signup and view all the answers

What are two major parts of the nervous system?

Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

To regulate activities of internal organs and maintain internal homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of a neurologic disorder?

Abnormal sensation of imbalance or movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the main neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the neurologic assessment?

To identify the underlying causes of neurologic symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system controls mostly visceral functions?

Parasympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of cranial nerves emerge from the lower surface of the brain and pass through the foramina in the skull?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the illusion of movement, usually rotation?

Vertigo Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of determining previous mental status during a diagnosis?

To compare with current mental status and distinguish delirium from dementia Signup and view all the answers

What type of imaging test uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures?

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a cerebral angiography?

To visualize the blood flow in the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a CT scan and an MRI?

The use of X-rays versus a magnetic field Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a myelography?

To look for problems in the spinal canal Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of evaluating the thickness of the carotid artery walls?

To check for clots and blood flow blockages Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of transcranial Doppler?

To detect blood flow in the brain and visualize problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a lumbar puncture?

To inject a contrast agent into the spinal subarachnoid space Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between cerebral angiography and myelography?

Cerebral angiography studies the cerebral circulation, while myelography studies the spinal subarachnoid space Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of electromyography (EMG)?

To detect electrical activity in muscles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neuron Structure and Function

Dendrites are branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons and allow the transmission of messages to the cell body.
The nucleus is the structure in the neuron that contains the chromosomes.
Axon is a tube-like structure that carries electrical impulses from the cell body to the axon terminals that pass the impulse to another neuron.
Synapse is a chemical junction between the terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron.
Cell body is composed of a nucleus, golgi body, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, etc.

Node of Ranvier and Myelin Sheath

Node of Ranvier are gaps formed between the myelin sheath where the axons are left uncovered.
The myelin sheath is largely composed of an insulating fatty substance, allowing the generation of a fast electrical impulse along the axon.

Musculoskeletal System Functions

Protection of vital organs
Framework to support body structures
Mobility and movement
Production of heat and maintenance of body temperature
Facilitation of the return of blood to the heart
Reservoir for immature blood cells
Reservoir for vital minerals

Nervous System Structure and Function

The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system.
CNS includes the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system includes cranial and spinal nerves, and autonomic and somatic systems.
The basic functional unit is the neuron, which controls all motor, sensory, autonomic, cognitive, and behavioral activities.

Neurotransmitters

Communicate messages from one neuron to another or to a specific target tissue.
Can potentiate, terminate, or modulate a specific action or can excite or inhibit a target cell.
Many neurologic disorders are caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters.

Autonomic Nervous System

Functions to regulate activities of internal organs and to maintain and restore internal homeostasis.
Sympathetic nervous system: "fight-or-flight" responses, main neurotransmitter is norepinephrine.
Parasympathetic nervous system: controls mostly visceral functions, regulated by centers in the spinal cord, brainstem, and hypothalamus.

Neurologic Assessment

Health history: pain, seizures, dizziness, visual disturbances, weakness, abnormal sensations.
Consciousness and cognition: mental status, intellectual function, thought content, emotional status, language ability, impact on lifestyle.
Cranial nerves: 12 pairs of cranial nerves that emerge from the lower surface of the brain.
Motor system: muscle size, muscle tone and strength, coordination and balance, Romberg test.
Sensory system: tactile sensation, superficial pain, temperature, vibration and position sense (proprioception).
Reflexes: DTRs, biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, patellar, Achilles, superficial, pathologic, plantar (Babinski).

Gerontologic Considerations

Important to distinguish normal aging changes from abnormal changes.
Structural and physiologic changes, motor and sensory alterations, temperature regulation, and pain perception.
Determine previous mental status for comparison.

Diagnostic Tests

Computed tomography (CT): combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and a computer to recreate cross-sectional views.
Positron emission tomography (PET): uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for diseases in the body.
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): imaging test that uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in the body.
Cerebral angiography: uses a special contrast plus X-ray to visualize the blood flow in the brain.
Myelography: uses a contrast plus X-rays or CT scans to look for problems in the spinal canal.
Noninvasive carotid flow studies: noninvasive and painless procedure that uses sound waves to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries.
Transcranial Doppler: painless test that uses sound waves to detect blood flow in the brain and for any visualized problems.
Electroencephalography (EEG): records the electrical activity of the brain.
Electromyography (EMG): records the electrical activity of muscles.
Nerve conduction studies: measures the speed and strength of nerve signals.
Evoked potential studies: measures the electrical activity of the brain in response to specific stimuli.
Lumbar puncture: procedure in which a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected from the spinal canal.
Queckenstedt test: measures the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal canal.
Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid: examines the components of cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the functions of the musculoskeletal system and the structure and function of the nervous system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Learn about the protection of vital organs, movement, and more. Assess your understanding of chapter 60 with this quiz.

Assessment of Neurologic Function Chapter 60