Nervous System Assessment Chapter 41

Questions and Answers

What does a patient with decorticate posturing exhibit?

No movement from the waist down, and bowel and bladder incontinence

Clenched fists and arms bent in toward the body, with wrists and fingers held on the chest (correct)

Tonic-clonic seizure activity

Responding to yes or no questions by blinking

Which equipment does the nurse use to assess a patient with diabetes mellitus for sensory loss?

Nothing; the patient is asked to walk

Glucometer

Cotton-tipped applicator (correct)

Hammer

What signs/symptoms are characteristic of a patient who is described as lethargic?

The patient cannot be aroused.

The patient is drowsy but easily awakened. (correct)

The patient is awake and responsive.

The patient is aroused by painful stimulation.

What is Babinski's sign?

An abnormal reflex response characterized by extension of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. Signup and view all the answers

Which division of the nervous system activates the mechanism of 'fight or flight' response?

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is responsible for eye movement via the superior oblique muscles?

Trochlear Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the cerebrum controls voluntary function?

Motor cortex Signup and view all the answers

A patient is undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. Which contrast medium is used in this procedure?

Gadolinium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of periaqueductal gray of the brainstem?

To eliminate pain Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is located in the area of the brain parallel to the ears?

Temporal Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain contains the aqueduct of Sylvius?

Midbrain Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for the nurse to assess a patient's sleeping habits?

To identify changes in pattern, duration, and intensity Signup and view all the answers

The nurse is about to administer a contrast medium to the patient undergoing diagnostic testing. Which question does the nurse first ask the patient?

Are you taking ibuprofen daily? Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is prevented from crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB)?

Antibiotic Signup and view all the answers

What is the major 'relay station' of the brain?

Thalamus Signup and view all the answers

Which test used for assessing the neurologic system involves the use of a contrast agent?

Cerebral angiography Signup and view all the answers

Intellect declines with aging.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale used by health care personnel?

To assess level of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is located in the midbrain?

Trochlear Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain controls the functions of the 'master gland'?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

The nurse is using auditory-evoked potentials to assess a patient. What is this technique meant to detect?

High-frequency hearing loss Signup and view all the answers

Where does the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulate?

The space between the pia mater and arachnoid Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cerebral cortex?

To translate impulses into understandable feelings Signup and view all the answers

Neurologic changes associated with aging and vision include the need for additional light. What is the pathophysiology underlying this change?

Decrease in pupil size Signup and view all the answers

Which may be the largest cistern of the spinal cord?

From the level of the second lumbar vertebra to the second sacral vertebra (L2-S2) Signup and view all the answers

The nurse is performing a rapid neurologic assessment on a trauma patient. Which assessment finding is normal?

Constriction of pupils Signup and view all the answers

Which cells stimulate the fight or flight response?

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) cells originating in gray matter from T1 through L2 or L3 Signup and view all the answers

The nurse correctly identifies the speech area of the brain as being located in which region of the cerebrum?

Broca's area Signup and view all the answers

A patient is scheduled to undergo a cerebral angiography. What is the purpose of this diagnostic test?

To detect a blockage in the arteries or veins of the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain plays a major role in controlling the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What kind of reflex is displayed with an abnormal Babinski's sign?

Dorsiflexion of the great toe Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nervous System Overview

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, activating various systems in the body.
The central nervous system (CNS) oversees regulation and functionality of the nervous system, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) transmits information between the body and the brain.
The parasympathetic nervous system promotes rest and digestion during states of calm.

Cranial Nerves

The trochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV) controls eye movement via the superior oblique muscles.
The optic nerve (cranial nerve II) is linked to vision, while the abducens nerve controls lateral eye movements.

Cerebral Cortex Functions

The motor cortex governs voluntary movements, planning, and execution of motor functions.
Broca's area is involved in speech production, while Wernicke's area is crucial for language comprehension.

Diagnostic Imaging

Gadolinium serves as a contrast medium in MRI scans to enhance the visibility of internal structures.
Cerebral angiography uses contrast to visualize blood flow in the brain and detect blockages.

Pain Management and Neurological Assessment

The periaqueductal gray in the midbrain plays a vital role in pain modulation.
Normal findings during a neurological assessment include pupil constriction, while decerebrate posturing indicates significant brain dysfunction.

Aging and Neurology

Older adults may experience delays in information retrieval due to the loss of cerebral neurons, but intellect does not necessarily decline.
Decreased pupil size contributes to older adults needing more light for vision.

Reflexes and Neurological Signs

An abnormal Babinski's sign denotes dorsiflexion of the great toe, suggesting neurological impairment.
Decorticate posturing, marked by bent arms and clenched fists, indicates severe brain injury.

Assessment Techniques in Neurology

Auditory-evoked potentials help diagnose high-frequency hearing loss and evaluate acoustic nerve damage.
Sensory loss in patients can be assessed using a cotton-tipped applicator to determine sharp and dull sensations.

General Knowledge in Neurology

The thalamus functions as a major relay station for sensory information in the CNS.
The hypothalamus regulates autonomic nervous system functions, maintaining homeostasis and influencing physiological responses.

Clinical Implications

Patient preparation for contrast medium involves inquiries about prior reactions and medications affecting kidney function.
Lethargic patients may demonstrate reduced responsiveness and increased sleepiness, signaling potential neurological issues.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the nervous system with this quiz focusing on Chapter 41. Explore key concepts, including the functions of different divisions, particularly the sympathetic nervous system. Perfect for students studying neuroanatomy or related fields.