,Geneva College NURS 231 Module 6 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Portage Q&A
| Pathophysiology
1. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating movement, posture,
and vital functions such as respiration and blood circulation?
A) Cerebrum
B) Midbrain
C) Hindbrain
D) Limbic system
Correct Answer: Hindbrain
Rationale: The hindbrain consists of the cerebellum, pons, and medulla
oblongata. It is responsible for coordinating movement, maintaining posture,
and regulating essential autonomic functions like breathing and blood
circulation. The cerebrum handles higher cognitive functions, the midbrain
controls visual and auditory reflexes, and the limbic system manages
emotion-related behavior.
2. A patient has difficulty tracking their eye laterally (outward). Which cranial
nerve is most likely affected?
A) CN III (Oculomotor)
B) CN IV (Trochlear)
C) CN VI (Abducens)
D) CN II (Optic)
Correct Answer: CN VI (Abducens)
Rationale: The abducens nerve (CN VI) innervates the lateral rectus muscle,
which abducts the eye, allowing lateral gaze. Damage to this nerve prevents
outward eye movement and may cause horizontal diplopia. CN III controls
,most eye movements, CN IV controls the superior oblique muscle for
downward and inward gaze, and CN II is responsible for vision.
3. A patient with Parkinson's disease has difficulty initiating movement and
appears to "freeze" when trying to turn around. This clinical manifestation is
best described as:
A) Tremor
B) Rigidity
C) Bradykinesia
D) Postural instability
Correct Answer: Bradykinesia
Rationale: Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement and is a cardinal
feature of Parkinson’s disease. It often manifests as difficulty initiating
voluntary movements, including "freezing" episodes during gait or turning.
Tremor is involuntary rhythmic movement, rigidity is increased muscle tone,
and postural instability refers to impaired balance.
4. The hindbrain is most directly affected by which of the following disorders?
A) Cerebrovascular accidents
B) Parkinson's disease
C) Alzheimer's disease
D) Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: Cerebrovascular accidents
Rationale: The hindbrain, specifically the pons and medulla, can be affected
by cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) due to its blood supply from the
vertebrobasilar system. Damage can lead to severe autonomic dysfunction
, and motor deficits. Parkinson's disease primarily affects the basal ganglia,
while Alzheimer's and schizophrenia involve higher cortical and limbic
structures.
5. Which stage of sleep is characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency
delta waves, also known as slow-wave or deep sleep?
A) Stage 1 NREM
B) Stage 2 NREM
C) Stage 3 NREM
D) REM sleep
Correct Answer: Stage 3 NREM
Rationale: Stage 3 NREM sleep is defined by the presence of delta waves,
which are high-amplitude and low-frequency. This stage, also known as slow-
wave or deep sleep, is crucial for restorative processes. Stage 1 has theta
waves, stage 2 features sleep spindles and K-complexes, and REM sleep is
characterized by beta-like waves.
6. What is the primary role of anticoagulants in the body?
A) Dissolve existing blood clots
B) Prevent clot formation by prolonging bleeding time
C) Increase platelet aggregation
D) Promote vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: Prevent clot formation by prolonging bleeding time
Rationale: Anticoagulants work by prolonging bleeding time and preventing
the formation of new blood clots. They do not dissolve existing clots
| Pathophysiology
1. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating movement, posture,
and vital functions such as respiration and blood circulation?
A) Cerebrum
B) Midbrain
C) Hindbrain
D) Limbic system
Correct Answer: Hindbrain
Rationale: The hindbrain consists of the cerebellum, pons, and medulla
oblongata. It is responsible for coordinating movement, maintaining posture,
and regulating essential autonomic functions like breathing and blood
circulation. The cerebrum handles higher cognitive functions, the midbrain
controls visual and auditory reflexes, and the limbic system manages
emotion-related behavior.
2. A patient has difficulty tracking their eye laterally (outward). Which cranial
nerve is most likely affected?
A) CN III (Oculomotor)
B) CN IV (Trochlear)
C) CN VI (Abducens)
D) CN II (Optic)
Correct Answer: CN VI (Abducens)
Rationale: The abducens nerve (CN VI) innervates the lateral rectus muscle,
which abducts the eye, allowing lateral gaze. Damage to this nerve prevents
outward eye movement and may cause horizontal diplopia. CN III controls
,most eye movements, CN IV controls the superior oblique muscle for
downward and inward gaze, and CN II is responsible for vision.
3. A patient with Parkinson's disease has difficulty initiating movement and
appears to "freeze" when trying to turn around. This clinical manifestation is
best described as:
A) Tremor
B) Rigidity
C) Bradykinesia
D) Postural instability
Correct Answer: Bradykinesia
Rationale: Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement and is a cardinal
feature of Parkinson’s disease. It often manifests as difficulty initiating
voluntary movements, including "freezing" episodes during gait or turning.
Tremor is involuntary rhythmic movement, rigidity is increased muscle tone,
and postural instability refers to impaired balance.
4. The hindbrain is most directly affected by which of the following disorders?
A) Cerebrovascular accidents
B) Parkinson's disease
C) Alzheimer's disease
D) Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: Cerebrovascular accidents
Rationale: The hindbrain, specifically the pons and medulla, can be affected
by cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) due to its blood supply from the
vertebrobasilar system. Damage can lead to severe autonomic dysfunction
, and motor deficits. Parkinson's disease primarily affects the basal ganglia,
while Alzheimer's and schizophrenia involve higher cortical and limbic
structures.
5. Which stage of sleep is characterized by high-amplitude, low-frequency
delta waves, also known as slow-wave or deep sleep?
A) Stage 1 NREM
B) Stage 2 NREM
C) Stage 3 NREM
D) REM sleep
Correct Answer: Stage 3 NREM
Rationale: Stage 3 NREM sleep is defined by the presence of delta waves,
which are high-amplitude and low-frequency. This stage, also known as slow-
wave or deep sleep, is crucial for restorative processes. Stage 1 has theta
waves, stage 2 features sleep spindles and K-complexes, and REM sleep is
characterized by beta-like waves.
6. What is the primary role of anticoagulants in the body?
A) Dissolve existing blood clots
B) Prevent clot formation by prolonging bleeding time
C) Increase platelet aggregation
D) Promote vasoconstriction
Correct Answer: Prevent clot formation by prolonging bleeding time
Rationale: Anticoagulants work by prolonging bleeding time and preventing
the formation of new blood clots. They do not dissolve existing clots
