Neurological Disorders Management: Quizzes and Practice Questions

Question 1

Before recommending surgery for a patient with a neurological disorder, what is the MOST important factor for a nurse to consider?

Accepted Answer

Indications, contraindications, and postoperative care

Answer

Patient's age and gender

Answer

Surgeon's experience and availability

Answer

Insurance coverage and cost

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a neurological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Epilepsy

Answer

Brain tumor

Question 3

When administering anticonvulsants to a patient with a seizure disorder, which nursing consideration is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring the patient's blood levels of the medication

Answer

Administering the medication with food to reduce stomach upset

Answer

Informing the patient about the importance of taking the medication as prescribed

Answer

Determining the patient's seizure triggers to prevent seizures

Question 4

How can technology improve patient education for neurological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Technology can personalize information and make it easily accessible.

Answer

Patient education is often ineffective due to complex medical concepts.

Answer

Patient education should focus only on medications and treatment plans.

Question 5

Why are non-pharmacological management strategies crucial in treating neurological disorders?

Accepted Answer

They can help manage lifestyle factors that can worsen neurological symptoms.

Answer

They can completely cure neurological disorders.

Answer

They are the only effective treatment for neurological disorders.

Answer

They offer an alternative treatment when medications don't work.

Question 6

What is the primary objective of medication therapy in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate motor symptoms and improve functionality

Answer

To halt the degenerative process in the brain

Answer

To prevent further neurological damage

Answer

To cure the disease completely

Question 7

Which surgical intervention is the most common option for managing intractable epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Removal of a portion of the brain (lobectomy)

Answer

Vagus nerve stimulation

Answer

Implantation of a deep brain stimulator

Answer

Severing the corpus callosum

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

Accepted Answer

To assess the level of consciousness in patients

Answer

To measure cognitive function

Answer

To predict neurological outcomes

Answer

To monitor vital signs

Question 9

What is the primary mechanism of action of anticonvulsant medications?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing GABA activity in the brain

Answer

Blocking sodium channels in nerve cells

Answer

Increasing potassium conductance in nerve cells

Answer

Stimulating glutamate receptors in the brain

Question 10

How can a seizure be distinguished from an epilepsy disorder?

Accepted Answer

A seizure is a single, isolated event, while an epilepsy disorder is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures

Answer

An epilepsy disorder is a single, isolated event, while a seizure is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures

Answer

There is no distinction between a seizure and an epilepsy disorder

Answer

Both seizures and epilepsy disorders are temporary conditions that can be cured with medication

Question 11

Which of the following anticonvulsant medications is commonly used to manage seizures in patients with epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Acetaminophen

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Morphine

Question 12

A patient with a traumatic brain injury is exhibiting signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). What nursing intervention is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the head of the bed

Answer

Administer fluids liberally

Answer

Encourage coughing and deep breathing

Answer

Restrict the patient's movements

Question 13

What is the primary pathophysiological change that occurs in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.

Answer

Increased acetylcholine production in the striatum.

Answer

Inflammation of the meninges.

Answer

Abnormal buildup of amyloid-beta plaques.

Question 14

When communicating with patients who have aphasia, which strategy is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Using gestures and facial expressions

Answer

Speaking loudly and slowly

Answer

Avoiding written materials

Answer

Interrupting the patient frequently

Question 15

Which medication is primarily used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Phenytoin

Answer

Carbamazepine

Answer

Valproic acid

Question 16

What is the initial nursing priority for a patient experiencing a seizure?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the patient from injury

Answer

Administering anticonvulsant medications

Answer

Restraining the patient during the seizure

Answer

Calling a code blue

Question 17

In the case of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm, which surgical procedure is typically recommended?

Accepted Answer

Endovascular coiling

Answer

Craniotomy

Answer

Carotid endarterectomy

Answer

Ventricular shunt

Question 18

What type of headache is the most prevalent?

Accepted Answer

Tension headache

Answer

Migraine

Answer

Cluster headache

Answer

Trigeminal neuralgia

Question 19

Which medication is commonly prescribed for controlling seizures in patients with epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Carbamazepine

Answer

Atenolol

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Warfarin

Question 20

Which symptom is indicative of elevated intracranial pressure?

Accepted Answer

Pupillary dilation

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hypothermia

Question 21

When preparing a patient for a craniotomy, which nursing action is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Administering preoperative antibiotics

Answer

Shaving the patient's head

Answer

Inserting a Foley catheter

Answer

Positioning the patient on their side

Question 22

In assessing a patient with a spinal cord injury, which type of assessment is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Neurological assessment

Answer

Head-to-toe assessment

Answer

Skin assessment

Answer

Respiratory assessment

Question 23

Which non-drug nursing action is most effective in preventing seizures in a patient with epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Creating a calm and quiet environment during a seizure

Answer

Giving anticonvulsant medications

Answer

Restricting the patient's physical activity

Answer

Encouraging social isolation to avoid potential triggers

Question 24

Which of the following is the most common initial sign of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Tremors at rest

Answer

Muscle rigidity

Answer

Bradykinesia

Answer

Postural instability

Question 25

Which complication is a patient with a spinal cord injury at the T6 level most likely to develop?

Accepted Answer

Bowel incontinence

Answer

Blurred vision

Answer

Weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis)

Answer

Difficulty speaking (aphasia)

Question 26

Which of the following medications is commonly used as first-line therapy for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa/carbidopa

Answer

Selegiline

Answer

Ropinirole

Answer

Pramipexole

Question 27

A patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome is experiencing progressive respiratory distress. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Institute mechanical ventilation

Answer

Monitor respiratory rate and oxygen saturation

Answer

Administer oxygen via nasal cannula

Answer

Encourage deep breathing exercises

Question 28

Which dietary modification is recommended for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Reduce saturated fat intake and increase omega-3 fatty acid intake

Answer

Increase protein intake

Answer

Follow a vegan diet

Answer

Eliminate gluten

Question 29

Which surgical intervention is considered the gold standard for treating trigeminal neuralgia?

Accepted Answer

Microvascular decompression

Answer

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Answer

Deep brain stimulation

Answer

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Question 30

What is the primary nursing goal for a patient with epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Prevent seizures

Answer

Promote cognitive function

Answer

Manage pain

Answer

Provide emotional support

Question 31

Which assessment finding in a patient with a spinal cord injury indicates a need for immediate medical attention?

Accepted Answer

Priapism

Answer

Spasticity

Answer

Loss of sensation below the level of injury

Answer

Neurogenic bladder

Question 32

What is the most common type of stroke?

Accepted Answer

Ischemic stroke

Answer

Transient ischemic attack

Answer

Lacunar stroke

Answer

Hemorrhagic stroke

Question 33

Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Age

Answer

Race

Answer

Gender

Question 34

Which of the following antiepileptic medications is commonly used to treat seizures in adults?

Accepted Answer

Levetiracetam

Answer

Ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Answer

Lisinopril (antihypertensive)

Question 35

A patient with ataxia, a condition characterized by impaired coordination and balance, should be instructed to:

Accepted Answer

Use a walker for stability and support.

Answer

Avoid bright lights (not related to ataxia)

Answer

Run daily (contraindicated due to impaired coordination)

Answer

Eat a low-sodium diet (not typically recommended for ataxia management)

Question 36

Which type of surgery is commonly performed to relieve the pressure caused by a brain tumor?

Accepted Answer

Craniotomy

Answer

Gastrectomy (removal of the stomach)

Answer

Laminectomy (decompression of the spinal cord)

Answer

Appendectomy (removal of the appendix)

Question 37

Which of the following nursing interventions is essential for a patient with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement?

Accepted Answer

Assisting with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating)

Answer

Changing wound dressings (not typically required for Parkinson's disease patients)

Answer

Administering blood pressure medications (not a primary nursing intervention for Parkinson's disease)

Answer

Monitoring serum electrolytes (not typically a major concern in Parkinson's disease management)

Question 38

A patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, is experiencing respiratory distress. The priority nursing intervention is to:

Accepted Answer

Suction the patient's airway to clear secretions and maintain a patent airway.

Answer

Monitor urine output hourly (not the immediate priority in this scenario)

Answer

Turn the patient every two hours (important for preventing pressure ulcers, but not the priority in this situation)

Answer

Elevate the patient's head (may help with breathing, but not as urgent as suctioning)

Question 39

Which of the following is a known risk factor for developing a spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Advanced age (increases the risk of falls and other accidents)

Answer

Low socioeconomic status (not a direct risk factor for spinal cord injuries)

Answer

Female gender (not a risk factor for spinal cord injuries)

Question 40

The initial treatment for a patient with meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is:

Accepted Answer

Intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection.

Answer

Observation (not the primary intervention)

Answer

Oral steroids (may be used adjunctively but not as the initial treatment)

Answer

Bed rest (important but not the initial treatment)

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting memory and cognition?

Accepted Answer

Aphasia (impairment of language comprehension and expression)

Answer

Wandering

Answer

Memory loss

Answer

Confusion

Question 42

The primary goal of rehabilitation for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, which can result in cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, is to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize functional independence and improve the patient's ability to perform daily activities.

Answer

Reduce pain (while important, it's not the primary goal of rehabilitation)

Answer

Cure the injury (traumatic brain injuries cannot be cured, but their effects can be managed)

Answer

Prevent further injury (prevention is crucial, but not the primary focus of rehabilitation)

Question 43

When teaching a patient about carbidopa-levodopa, which of the following side effects should the nurse emphasize managing through medication timing?

Accepted Answer

Nausea

Answer

Constipation

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Tremors

Question 44

Which of the following surgical interventions is specifically indicated for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia?

Accepted Answer

Microvascular decompression

Answer

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Answer

Selective nerve root block

Answer

Craniotomy

Question 45

In the management of a patient with a traumatic brain injury, which nursing intervention is crucial for preventing secondary brain damage?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a patent airway and administer oxygen as prescribed.

Answer

Encourage ambulation as soon as possible.

Answer

Provide a calm and quiet environment.

Question 46

Progressive weakness that begins in the lower extremities and ascends is a characteristic of which neurological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Answer

Myasthenia gravis

Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Question 47

When managing an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis, which medication class is typically the first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

High-dose steroids

Answer

Anticonvulsants

Answer

Opioid analgesics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 48

In the immediate care of a patient who has experienced a stroke, what nursing intervention is of the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a patent airway

Answer

Administering thrombolytic therapy

Answer

Preventing pressure ulcers

Answer

Monitoring blood pressure

Question 49

Which lifestyle modification is recommended to support the well-being of individuals with Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise and a balanced diet

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Excessive alcohol consumption

Question 50

Which of the following is a characteristic neurological symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Ascending paralysis

Answer

Aphasia

Answer

Hemianopia

Question 51

In the management of Parkinson's disease, which medication is frequently prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Donepezil

Answer

Lamotrigine

Answer

Valproic acid

Question 52

For a patient with a traumatic brain injury at risk of developing increased intracranial pressure, which nursing intervention is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees.

Answer

Administer diuretics

Answer

Use an incentive spirometer

Answer

Restrict fluids

Question 53

Which of the following symptoms is typically not associated with multiple sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Seizures

Answer

Fatigue

Answer

Numbness or tingling

Question 54

To minimize the risk of seizures in patients with epilepsy, which lifestyle modification is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Adequate sleep

Answer

Alcohol consumption

Answer

Excessive caffeine intake

Answer

High-intensity exercise

Question 55

For a patient with suspected meningitis, which position is appropriate for performing a lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Lateral recumbent with knees flexed to the chest

Answer

Lying supine with legs extended

Answer

Sitting upright with head flexed forward

Answer

Standing with head tilted back

Question 56

Which pharmacological class is most suitable for managing agitation and aggression in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Atypical antipsychotic

Answer

Antidepressant

Answer

Anticonvulsant

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Question 57

To prevent pressure ulcers in a patient recovering from a spinal cord injury, which nursing intervention is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Frequent turning and repositioning

Answer

Massaging bony prominences

Answer

Using a sheepskin under the patient

Answer

Applying antimicrobial ointment to areas at risk