CHRONIC AND INFECTIOUS NEUROLOGICAL
DISORDERS EXAM AND PRACTICE QUESTIONS
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
|ALREADY GRADED A+
1.
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which
assessment finding is most consistent with an exacerbation of the disease?
A. Sudden unilateral hearing loss
B. Increased fatigue and blurred vision
C. Severe resting tremors
D. Progressive memory loss only
Correct Answer: B. Increased fatigue and blurred vision
Rationale:
MS commonly presents with episodes of fatigue, diplopia, blurred vision,
weakness, and sensory disturbances due to demyelination in the central nervous
system.
2.
A client with bacterial meningitis is admitted to the emergency department. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Initiate droplet precautions
C. Obtain a diet history
D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer: B. Initiate droplet precautions
,Rationale:
Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious. Protecting others through droplet
precautions is the priority before other interventions.
3.
A client with Parkinson disease reports difficulty swallowing. Which complication
is the nurse most concerned about?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Aspiration pneumonia
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: B. Aspiration pneumonia
Rationale:
Dysphagia in Parkinson disease increases the risk for aspiration, which may lead to
pneumonia and respiratory complications.
4.
A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Which symptom should the nurse expect initially?
A. Ascending muscle weakness
B. Unilateral paralysis
C. Intention tremors
D. Fixed facial drooping
Correct Answer: A. Ascending muscle weakness
Rationale:
GBS commonly begins with ascending symmetrical weakness starting in the lower
extremities and progressing upward.
,5.
A client with encephalitis becomes increasingly confused and restless. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Apply wrist restraints
B. Assess oxygen saturation and vital signs
C. Leave the client alone to rest
D. Administer sedatives immediately
Correct Answer: B. Assess oxygen saturation and vital signs
Rationale:
Changes in neurological status require immediate assessment to identify hypoxia,
increased intracranial pressure, or worsening infection.
6.
Which statement by a client with epilepsy indicates understanding of discharge
teaching?
A. “I should stop my medication once seizures decrease.”
B. “I will avoid driving until cleared by my provider.”
C. “Sleep deprivation helps prevent seizures.”
D. “I can drink alcohol if I take medication early.”
Correct Answer: B. “I will avoid driving until cleared by my provider.”
Rationale:
Clients with epilepsy should avoid driving until medically cleared because seizures
can impair safety.
7.
A nurse is monitoring a client with increased intracranial pressure caused by
meningitis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Heart rate 52/min
B. Temperature 37.2°C (99°F)
, C. Blood pressure 118/74 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate 18/min
Correct Answer: A. Heart rate 52/min
Rationale:
Bradycardia may indicate increased intracranial pressure and possible brainstem
compression, requiring urgent intervention.
8.
Which diet recommendation is appropriate for a client with Parkinson disease?
A. High-fat meals throughout the day
B. Restrict fluid intake
C. High-fiber diet with adequate fluids
D. Eliminate carbohydrates completely
Correct Answer: C. High-fiber diet with adequate fluids
Rationale:
Constipation is common in Parkinson disease. Increased fiber and fluids help
promote bowel regularity.
9.
A client with myasthenia gravis suddenly develops respiratory distress. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Pyridostigmine
C. Acetaminophen
D. Dopamine
Correct Answer: B. Pyridostigmine
Rationale:
Myasthenic crisis may require anticholinesterase medications such as
pyridostigmine to improve muscle strength and breathing.
DISORDERS EXAM AND PRACTICE QUESTIONS
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
|ALREADY GRADED A+
1.
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which
assessment finding is most consistent with an exacerbation of the disease?
A. Sudden unilateral hearing loss
B. Increased fatigue and blurred vision
C. Severe resting tremors
D. Progressive memory loss only
Correct Answer: B. Increased fatigue and blurred vision
Rationale:
MS commonly presents with episodes of fatigue, diplopia, blurred vision,
weakness, and sensory disturbances due to demyelination in the central nervous
system.
2.
A client with bacterial meningitis is admitted to the emergency department. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Initiate droplet precautions
C. Obtain a diet history
D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer: B. Initiate droplet precautions
,Rationale:
Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious. Protecting others through droplet
precautions is the priority before other interventions.
3.
A client with Parkinson disease reports difficulty swallowing. Which complication
is the nurse most concerned about?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Aspiration pneumonia
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: B. Aspiration pneumonia
Rationale:
Dysphagia in Parkinson disease increases the risk for aspiration, which may lead to
pneumonia and respiratory complications.
4.
A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Which symptom should the nurse expect initially?
A. Ascending muscle weakness
B. Unilateral paralysis
C. Intention tremors
D. Fixed facial drooping
Correct Answer: A. Ascending muscle weakness
Rationale:
GBS commonly begins with ascending symmetrical weakness starting in the lower
extremities and progressing upward.
,5.
A client with encephalitis becomes increasingly confused and restless. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Apply wrist restraints
B. Assess oxygen saturation and vital signs
C. Leave the client alone to rest
D. Administer sedatives immediately
Correct Answer: B. Assess oxygen saturation and vital signs
Rationale:
Changes in neurological status require immediate assessment to identify hypoxia,
increased intracranial pressure, or worsening infection.
6.
Which statement by a client with epilepsy indicates understanding of discharge
teaching?
A. “I should stop my medication once seizures decrease.”
B. “I will avoid driving until cleared by my provider.”
C. “Sleep deprivation helps prevent seizures.”
D. “I can drink alcohol if I take medication early.”
Correct Answer: B. “I will avoid driving until cleared by my provider.”
Rationale:
Clients with epilepsy should avoid driving until medically cleared because seizures
can impair safety.
7.
A nurse is monitoring a client with increased intracranial pressure caused by
meningitis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Heart rate 52/min
B. Temperature 37.2°C (99°F)
, C. Blood pressure 118/74 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate 18/min
Correct Answer: A. Heart rate 52/min
Rationale:
Bradycardia may indicate increased intracranial pressure and possible brainstem
compression, requiring urgent intervention.
8.
Which diet recommendation is appropriate for a client with Parkinson disease?
A. High-fat meals throughout the day
B. Restrict fluid intake
C. High-fiber diet with adequate fluids
D. Eliminate carbohydrates completely
Correct Answer: C. High-fiber diet with adequate fluids
Rationale:
Constipation is common in Parkinson disease. Increased fiber and fluids help
promote bowel regularity.
9.
A client with myasthenia gravis suddenly develops respiratory distress. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Naloxone
B. Pyridostigmine
C. Acetaminophen
D. Dopamine
Correct Answer: B. Pyridostigmine
Rationale:
Myasthenic crisis may require anticholinesterase medications such as
pyridostigmine to improve muscle strength and breathing.
