RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
MDC IV - Multidimensional Care IV
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 1 Question Bank - Neurological, Perioperative & Stroke Care
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client in postoperative recovery. The client complains of the
following symptoms. Which of the following is abnormal and should be reported
immediately?
A. Emesis that is red
B. Complaint of feeling cold
C. Nausea
D. Complaint of pain
CORRECT ANSWER A. Emesis that is red
RATIONALE
Red emesis indicates active upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is an abnormal postoperative
finding requiring immediate notification of the provider. Feeling cold, nausea, and pain are
expected postoperative findings.
,Question 6
A client's neurological status deteriorates over hours, and a craniotomy is performed to
evacuate a hematoma. Which nursing intervention is indicated to help decrease the
threat of increased intracranial pressure?
A. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees
B. Cluster nursing interventions to provide uninterrupted periods of rest
C. Teach the client to cough and deep breathe to prevent the necessity for suctioning
D. Teach the client to hold his breath and bear down while repositioning in bed
CORRECT ANSWER A. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees
RATIONALE
Head elevation to 30 degrees promotes cerebral venous drainage, reducing intracranial pressure.
Clustering care and activities that increase intrathoracic pressure (coughing, Valsalva maneuver)
increase ICP and should be avoided.
Question 7
A client presents to the emergency room with complaints of bilateral lower extremity
loss of sensation that started in the feet but has now progressed to the knees and hips.
The nurse interprets these symptoms to indicate an immediate workup for which of the
following diseases?
A. Myasthenia gravis
B. Simple, partial seizure
C. Guillain-Barre Syndrome
D. Cerebrovascular accident
CORRECT ANSWER C. Guillain-Barre Syndrome
RATIONALE
Ascending paralysis (sensory loss beginning in the feet progressing upward) is characteristic of
Guillain-Barré syndrome. This is a medical emergency as respiratory muscles may be affected,
requiring monitoring of vital capacity.
, Question 8
The charge nurse is obtaining the client's signature on a surgical consent form. The
client states, "I didn't really understand what my surgeon explained, but I trust him
completely." Which response by the charge nurse is correct?
A. "I need to contact your surgeon so your questions can be answered."
B. "I can answer any questions that you might have regarding your surgery."
C. "As long as you are comfortable, then you may sign the consent form."
D. "Maybe you should call your surgeon to be sure it is okay to sign the consent."
CORRECT ANSWER
A. "I need to contact your surgeon so your questions can be answered."
RATIONALE
Informed consent requires that the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and
alternatives. The surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent and answering medical
questions. The nurse should not allow the patient to sign without understanding and should
contact the surgeon.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
MDC IV - Multidimensional Care IV
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Exam 1 Question Bank - Neurological, Perioperative & Stroke Care
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client in postoperative recovery. The client complains of the
following symptoms. Which of the following is abnormal and should be reported
immediately?
A. Emesis that is red
B. Complaint of feeling cold
C. Nausea
D. Complaint of pain
CORRECT ANSWER A. Emesis that is red
RATIONALE
Red emesis indicates active upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is an abnormal postoperative
finding requiring immediate notification of the provider. Feeling cold, nausea, and pain are
expected postoperative findings.
,Question 6
A client's neurological status deteriorates over hours, and a craniotomy is performed to
evacuate a hematoma. Which nursing intervention is indicated to help decrease the
threat of increased intracranial pressure?
A. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees
B. Cluster nursing interventions to provide uninterrupted periods of rest
C. Teach the client to cough and deep breathe to prevent the necessity for suctioning
D. Teach the client to hold his breath and bear down while repositioning in bed
CORRECT ANSWER A. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees
RATIONALE
Head elevation to 30 degrees promotes cerebral venous drainage, reducing intracranial pressure.
Clustering care and activities that increase intrathoracic pressure (coughing, Valsalva maneuver)
increase ICP and should be avoided.
Question 7
A client presents to the emergency room with complaints of bilateral lower extremity
loss of sensation that started in the feet but has now progressed to the knees and hips.
The nurse interprets these symptoms to indicate an immediate workup for which of the
following diseases?
A. Myasthenia gravis
B. Simple, partial seizure
C. Guillain-Barre Syndrome
D. Cerebrovascular accident
CORRECT ANSWER C. Guillain-Barre Syndrome
RATIONALE
Ascending paralysis (sensory loss beginning in the feet progressing upward) is characteristic of
Guillain-Barré syndrome. This is a medical emergency as respiratory muscles may be affected,
requiring monitoring of vital capacity.
, Question 8
The charge nurse is obtaining the client's signature on a surgical consent form. The
client states, "I didn't really understand what my surgeon explained, but I trust him
completely." Which response by the charge nurse is correct?
A. "I need to contact your surgeon so your questions can be answered."
B. "I can answer any questions that you might have regarding your surgery."
C. "As long as you are comfortable, then you may sign the consent form."
D. "Maybe you should call your surgeon to be sure it is okay to sign the consent."
CORRECT ANSWER
A. "I need to contact your surgeon so your questions can be answered."
RATIONALE
Informed consent requires that the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and
alternatives. The surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent and answering medical
questions. The nurse should not allow the patient to sign without understanding and should
contact the surgeon.
