Pathophysiology of the Nervous System > Pathophysiology
Exam Review
Introduction
Total Questions : 8
Showing 8 questions, Sign in for moreExplanation
Choice A reason:
This is a correct statement. The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for processing sensory information, generating motor commands, and regulating cognitive and emotional functions.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect statement. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and ganglia that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct statement. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary functions of smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands. It has two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
Choice D reason:
This is a correct statement. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) prepares the body for stress or emergency situations by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and blood glucose levels. It also dilates the pupils, bronchi, and blood vessels to skeletal muscles.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a correct answer. A spinal cord injury at the level of T6 affects the sensory nerves that innervate the lower half of the body, resulting in loss of sensation below the waist.
Choice B reason:
This is a correct answer. A spinal cord injury at the level of T6 affects the motor nerves that innervate the lower half of the body, resulting in paralysis of the lower extremities.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct answer. A spinal cord injury at the level of T6 affects the autonomic nerves that innervate the bladder and bowel, resulting in impaired bladder and bowel control.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. A spinal cord injury at the level of T6 does not affect the cranial nerves that innervate the pharynx and esophagus, which are responsible for swallowing.
Choice E reason:
This is a correct answer. A spinal cord injury at the level of T6 affects the autonomic nerves that innervate the sweat glands and thermoregulatory centers, resulting in decreased sweating and shivering.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not give information that might overwhelm or distress the client without assessing their readiness to learn.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not give false reassurance or minimize the client's condition.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not ask questions that might confuse or frustrate the client who has memory impairment.
Choice D reason:
This is a correct answer. The nurse should use therapeutic communication techniques such as exploring feelings, reflecting, and active listening to provide emotional support and establish rapport with the client.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a correct answer. Glia cells are supportive cells that provide insulation, protection, nutrition, and regulation for neurons. One type of glia cells, called oligodendrocytes, produce myelin that insulates nerve fibers and increases the speed of electrical impulses.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Glia cells do not transmit electrical impulses along nerve fibers. This is the function of neurons, which are the primary cells of the nervous system.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Glia cells do not secrete neurotransmitters that communicate with other cells. This is also the function of neurons, which release neurotransmitters at the synapses to transmit signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Glia cells do not destroy pathogens and foreign substances in the nervous system. This is the function of microglia, which are a type of immune cells that reside in the nervous system and act as macrophages.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is an incorrect answer. A tonic-clonic seizure (also known as a grand mal seizure) is characterized by alternating phases of muscle rigidity and jerking movements, along with loss of consciousness and postictal confusion.
Choice B reason:
This is a correct answer. An absence seizure (also known as a petit mal seizure) is characterized by brief episodes of staring, blinking, lip smacking, or other subtle movements, along with impaired awareness and no postictal confusion.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer. A myoclonic seizure is characterized by sudden, brief, and irregular muscle contractions, usually involving the arms, legs, or trunk.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. An atonic seizure (also known as a drop attack) is characterized by sudden loss of muscle tone, resulting in falling or collapsing.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a correct answer. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees helps to reduce ICP by facilitating venous drainage from the brain and decreasing cerebral edema.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Administering morphine sulfate for pain relief can increase ICP by causing vasodilation, respiratory depression, and increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises can increase ICP by increasing intrathoracic pressure, which impedes venous drainage from the brain.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Performing passive range of motion exercises can increase ICP by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which increases blood pressure and cerebral blood flow.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Elevated CSF protein level is a common finding in clients who have GBS due to demyelination of peripheral nerves. It does not indicate infection or inflammation and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Decreased serum CK level is a normal finding in clients who have GBS because CK is released from damaged muscle tissue and GBS does not affect muscle cells directly.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct answer. Increased CSF WBC count indicates infection or inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), which can be a complication of GBS or a sign of another condition such as meningitis or encephalitis. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and treatment.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Decreased serum sodium level can occur.
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a correct answer. Encouraging the client to perform ADLs independently helps to maintain their functional ability, self-esteem, and quality of life. The nurse should provide assistance and supervision as needed, but avoid doing everything for the client.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer. Providing the client with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa, which is the main medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. The nurse should provide the client with a balanced diet that includes adequate fluids and fiber.
Choice C reason:
This is a correct answer. Administering levodopa-carbidopa as prescribed helps to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, which is deficient in clients who have Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the peripheral tissues, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.
Choice D reason:
This is a correct answer. Teaching the client to use assistive devices such as a walker or cane helps to improve their mobility, balance, and safety. The nurse should also teach the client strategies to overcome freezing episodes, such as rocking from side to side or stepping over an imaginary line.
Choice E reason:
This is a correct answer. Monitoring the client for orthostatic hypotension helps to prevent falls and injuries. Orthostatic hypotension is a common complication of Parkinson's disease and its medications, which can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. The nurse should instruct the client to change positions slowly and report any symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
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