NR 340 CRITICAL CARE NURSING
Neurology
Latest Review Exam
Q&A
2024
,1. A 58-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes
presents with a sudden onset of right-sided weakness and aphasia. Which
of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Ischemic stroke
C. Transient ischemic attack
D. Hypoglycemic episode
Answer: B. Ischemic stroke
Rationale: The sudden onset of unilateral weakness and aphasia is
highly suggestive of an ischemic stroke, particularly in a patient with risk
factors such as hypertension and diabetes.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected subarachnoid
hemorrhage. Which of the following symptoms is most indicative of this
condition?
A. Gradual onset of headache
B. Thunderclap headache
C. Photophobia
D. Neck stiffness
Answer: B. Thunderclap headache
Rationale: A thunderclap headache is a classic symptom of subarachnoid
hemorrhage and is often described as "the worst headache of my life."
3. When performing a neurological assessment on a patient with a
traumatic brain injury, which of the following findings would indicate
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Irregular respirations
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: The combination of bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular
respirations, known as Cushing's triad, is a sign of increased ICP.
, 4. A patient is admitted with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8.
What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Prepare for intubation.
B. Administer mannitol.
C. Perform a lumbar puncture.
D. Initiate seizure precautions.
Answer: A. Prepare for intubation.
Rationale: A GCS score of 8 or less indicates severe impairment of
consciousness and the need for airway protection, making intubation a
priority.
5. In a patient with a suspected stroke, which imaging modality is
preferred initially to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic
stroke?
A. MRI
B. CT scan
C. PET scan
D. Carotid Doppler
Answer: B. CT scan
Rationale: A CT scan is the preferred initial imaging modality because it
can quickly differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, which
is crucial for treatment decisions.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient post-operatively after a craniotomy.
Which of the following is an essential part of post-operative care?
A. Frequent neurological checks
B. Ambulation within 4 hours of surgery
C. Administration of thrombolytics
D. Immediate removal of the dressing
Answer: A. Frequent neurological checks
Rationale: Frequent neurological checks are essential to monitor for
changes in the patient's status and potential complications after a
craniotomy.
7. A patient with a neurological condition is exhibiting decerebrate
Neurology
Latest Review Exam
Q&A
2024
,1. A 58-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes
presents with a sudden onset of right-sided weakness and aphasia. Which
of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Ischemic stroke
C. Transient ischemic attack
D. Hypoglycemic episode
Answer: B. Ischemic stroke
Rationale: The sudden onset of unilateral weakness and aphasia is
highly suggestive of an ischemic stroke, particularly in a patient with risk
factors such as hypertension and diabetes.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected subarachnoid
hemorrhage. Which of the following symptoms is most indicative of this
condition?
A. Gradual onset of headache
B. Thunderclap headache
C. Photophobia
D. Neck stiffness
Answer: B. Thunderclap headache
Rationale: A thunderclap headache is a classic symptom of subarachnoid
hemorrhage and is often described as "the worst headache of my life."
3. When performing a neurological assessment on a patient with a
traumatic brain injury, which of the following findings would indicate
increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Irregular respirations
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: The combination of bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular
respirations, known as Cushing's triad, is a sign of increased ICP.
, 4. A patient is admitted with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8.
What is the nurse's priority intervention?
A. Prepare for intubation.
B. Administer mannitol.
C. Perform a lumbar puncture.
D. Initiate seizure precautions.
Answer: A. Prepare for intubation.
Rationale: A GCS score of 8 or less indicates severe impairment of
consciousness and the need for airway protection, making intubation a
priority.
5. In a patient with a suspected stroke, which imaging modality is
preferred initially to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic
stroke?
A. MRI
B. CT scan
C. PET scan
D. Carotid Doppler
Answer: B. CT scan
Rationale: A CT scan is the preferred initial imaging modality because it
can quickly differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, which
is crucial for treatment decisions.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient post-operatively after a craniotomy.
Which of the following is an essential part of post-operative care?
A. Frequent neurological checks
B. Ambulation within 4 hours of surgery
C. Administration of thrombolytics
D. Immediate removal of the dressing
Answer: A. Frequent neurological checks
Rationale: Frequent neurological checks are essential to monitor for
changes in the patient's status and potential complications after a
craniotomy.
7. A patient with a neurological condition is exhibiting decerebrate
