Neurologic Function
What is the part of the nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord?
What is the central nervous system (CNS)?
Rationale: The CNS integrates and processes information.
What is the term for a sudden episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain?
What is a seizure?
Rationale: Seizures result from abnormal, excessive, or synchronized neuronal activity.
What does the acronym FAST stand for when screening for stroke?
What are Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services?
Rationale: FAST helps recognize stroke symptoms rapidly.
Parkinson's disease is associated with a loss of dopamine-producing neurons in which brain region?
What is the substantia nigra?
Rationale: Degeneration of these neurons reduces dopamine in motor pathways.
What does ALS stand for?
What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Rationale: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons.
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for vision?
What is cranial nerve II, the optic nerve?
Rationale: The optic nerve transmits visual information.
What is the term for the period of confusion or drowsiness that may follow a seizure?
What is the postictal period?
Rationale: The patient may be confused, sleepy, or temporarily weak.
What type of stroke is caused by a blood vessel blockage?
What is an ischemic stroke?
Rationale: An obstruction interrupts blood flow to brain tissue.
What are the four classic motor features often associated with Parkinson's disease?
What are resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability?
Rationale: Bradykinesia means slowness of movement.
Which type of neurons are primarily affected by ALS?
What are upper and lower motor neurons?
Rationale: Their degeneration causes progressive motor weakness.
A patient has a decreased level of consciousness. What is one standardized tool nurses use to assess neurologic status?
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
Rationale: The GCS evaluates eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.
During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, what is the nurse's priority action to protect the patient?
What is protecting the patient from injury and maintaining a safe airway?
Rationale: Clear nearby hazards, protect the head, and time the seizure. Do not restrain the patient or put anything in the mouth.
What type of stroke results from a blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into or around the brain?
What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
Rationale: Bleeding causes tissue injury and can increase intracranial pressure.
A patient with Parkinson's disease takes carbidopa/levodopa. What neurotransmitter does levodopa help replenish?
What is dopamine?
Rationale: Levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine.
A patient with ALS develops muscle twitching and progressive weakness. What is the clinical term for these muscle twitches?
What are fasciculations?
Rationale: Fasciculations are spontaneous contractions of motor units.
A patient suddenly develops unequal pupils and decreasing consciousness after a head injury. What serious complication should the nurse suspect?
What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP) with possible brain herniation?
Rationale: Neurologic deterioration and pupillary changes may indicate impending herniation.
A seizure continues for 5 minutes. What life-threatening condition should the nurse suspect, and what is the priority response?
What is status epilepticus, requiring emergency treatment?
Rationale: A seizure lasting 5 minutes or longer is a medical emergency; support airway and breathing and initiate emergency protocols.
A patient arrives with sudden facial droop and arm weakness. What diagnostic test is commonly obtained first to help distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke?
What is a noncontrast CT scan of the head?
Rationale: Rapid brain imaging helps identify hemorrhage before reperfusion treatment is considered.
Why should the nurse emphasize taking Parkinson's medication on schedule?
What is maintaining more consistent motor control and reducing 'off' periods?
Rationale: Delayed or missed doses may worsen rigidity, freezing, and mobility.
Why is respiratory assessment essential as ALS progresses?
What is the risk of respiratory muscle weakness leading to hypoventilation and respiratory failure?
Rationale: Monitor breathing, cough effectiveness, secretion clearance, and signs of declining ventilation.
A patient with suspected increased ICP develops hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. What is this combination called?
What is Cushing's triad?
Rationale: It is a late, ominous sign of increased ICP.
A patient has a focal seizure with impaired awareness and begins wandering. What should the nurse do?
What is staying with the patient, guiding them away from danger, and protecting them from injury?
Rationale: Use calm, gentle guidance; do not restrain them. Observe and document the seizure.
A stroke patient has dysphagia. What must the nurse do before giving oral food, fluids, or medication?
What is ensuring the patient passes a swallowing screen or receives an appropriate swallowing assessment?
Rationale: Dysphagia increases aspiration risk. Keep the patient NPO until swallowing safety is established.
A patient with Parkinson's freezes while walking and has difficulty turning. What nursing interventions help reduce fall risk?
What are using fall precautions, assisting with mobility, and teaching cueing strategies such as stepping over a visual line?
Rationale: External visual or auditory cues may help initiate movement. Allow time and avoid rushing the patient.
A patient with advanced ALS has difficulty swallowing and an ineffective cough. Which major nursing priorities should be addressed?
What are airway and respiratory support, aspiration prevention, nutrition, and communication needs?
Rationale: ALS can impair breathing, swallowing, and speech even while sensation and cognition may be relatively preserved.