NUR 5461/NUR5461 Module 4 V1 |
Neurological System Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Which neurotransmitter deficiency is
primarily responsible for the clinical manifestations of this condition?
A. Acetylcholine
B. GABA
C. Dopamine
D. Serotonin
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia. This depletion of
dopamine leads to the classic motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
The loss of inhibitory dopamine causes an imbalance where excitatory acetylcholine
becomes relatively overactive.
2. Which of the following pathological markers is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease found
during a brain autopsy?
A. Lewy bodies
B. Demyelination of the white matter
,C. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
D. Spongiform encephalopathy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically defined by the accumulation of
extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intracellular tau protein neurofibrillary tangles.
These structures disrupt neuronal communication and eventually lead to cell death and
brain atrophy. While Lewy bodies are seen in Parkinson’s, amyloid and tau remain the
hallmarks of AD.
3. A patient presents with sudden onset of ascending paralysis starting in the feet and moving
upward. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Guillain-Barré Syndrome
B. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
C. Multiple Sclerosis
D. Myasthenia Gravis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy
characterized by rapid, progressive, ascending symmetric muscle weakness. It often
follows a viral or bacterial respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. The primary concern in
these patients is the progression to respiratory failure as the paralysis reaches the
diaphragm.
, 4. Multiple Sclerosis is primarily characterized by which of the following pathophysiological
processes?
A. Destruction of the peripheral nerve myelin
B. Excessive production of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
C. Depletion of GABA in the basal ganglia
D. Demyelination of the central nervous system
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that targets the
myelin sheath of neurons within the central nervous system (CNS). This demyelination
slows or blocks nerve impulses, leading to varied symptoms like vision loss and motor
weakness. Over time, the repeated inflammatory attacks lead to the formation of sclerotic
plaques or scars.
5. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with a
spinal cord injury at or above T6?
A. Tachycardia and hypotension
B. Flaccid paralysis below the level of injury
C. Bradycardia and severe hypertension
D. Fixed and dilated pupils
Correct Answer: C
Neurological System Q&A with Rationale |
William Paterson University
1. A patient is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Which neurotransmitter deficiency is
primarily responsible for the clinical manifestations of this condition?
A. Acetylcholine
B. GABA
C. Dopamine
D. Serotonin
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the degeneration of
dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia. This depletion of
dopamine leads to the classic motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
The loss of inhibitory dopamine causes an imbalance where excitatory acetylcholine
becomes relatively overactive.
2. Which of the following pathological markers is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease found
during a brain autopsy?
A. Lewy bodies
B. Demyelination of the white matter
,C. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
D. Spongiform encephalopathy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically defined by the accumulation of
extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intracellular tau protein neurofibrillary tangles.
These structures disrupt neuronal communication and eventually lead to cell death and
brain atrophy. While Lewy bodies are seen in Parkinson’s, amyloid and tau remain the
hallmarks of AD.
3. A patient presents with sudden onset of ascending paralysis starting in the feet and moving
upward. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Guillain-Barré Syndrome
B. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
C. Multiple Sclerosis
D. Myasthenia Gravis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy
characterized by rapid, progressive, ascending symmetric muscle weakness. It often
follows a viral or bacterial respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. The primary concern in
these patients is the progression to respiratory failure as the paralysis reaches the
diaphragm.
, 4. Multiple Sclerosis is primarily characterized by which of the following pathophysiological
processes?
A. Destruction of the peripheral nerve myelin
B. Excessive production of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
C. Depletion of GABA in the basal ganglia
D. Demyelination of the central nervous system
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that targets the
myelin sheath of neurons within the central nervous system (CNS). This demyelination
slows or blocks nerve impulses, leading to varied symptoms like vision loss and motor
weakness. Over time, the repeated inflammatory attacks lead to the formation of sclerotic
plaques or scars.
5. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with a
spinal cord injury at or above T6?
A. Tachycardia and hypotension
B. Flaccid paralysis below the level of injury
C. Bradycardia and severe hypertension
D. Fixed and dilated pupils
Correct Answer: C
