Saunders Neurological Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• A patient on bed rest as part of aneurysm precautions is receiving respiratory care. Which action should be avoided?
• Which intervention is appropriate in the plan of care for a patient with an ICP monitoring device?
• A home care patient with Parkinson's disease is taking benztropine mesylate. Which side effect should be reported if it occurs?
• Parietal lobe damage most commonly causes which deficit?
• Which vessel is a major contributor to the circle of Willis?
• Which action is commonly recommended to reduce aspiration risk during meals for someone with dysphagia after stroke?
• Pronator drift is best described as which of the following signs?
• Which home care instruction would require teaching to a student who prepared a discharge plan after craniotomy?
• Which statement about the CSF halo sign is true?
• In a patient with thrombotic stroke, which prior symptom is most likely documented?
• A client with a recent lumbar procedure reports numbness; which statement correctly describes the immediate next step?
• Which action is appropriate for a patient on aneurysm precautions?
• Cervical radiculitis is most likely caused by which of the following?
• The nurse has completed discharge instructions for a client with a halo device. Which statement indicates the client needs further clarification?
• Trigeminal neuralgia is historically known by what name?
• A client wearing a halo device is assessed. Which finding requires intervention?
• A client cannot maintain the hands in a supinated position with arms extended and eyes closed. What is the correct nursing documentation for this finding?
• Which environmental management measure is recommended to help reduce ICP in neurocritical care?
• A patient after transsphenoidal resection has nasal drainage; which drainage characteristic indicates CSF leak?
• What should the nurse assess for GI complications in a patient with a spinal cord injury 48 hours post-injury?
• Which communication strategy is most appropriate for a client with global aphasia?
• Which symptom is considered an early sign of increasing intracranial pressure?
• Which early sign would most strongly suggest evolving altered mental status in a neuro patient?
• Autonomic dysreflexia most often occurs in spinal cord injuries at or above which level?
• For a client with a basilar skull fracture at risk for increased intracranial pressure, which position is safest?
• Global aphasia is characterized by which characteristic of speech?
• Cushing's reflex is identified by evaluating which item?
• A client with blunt head injury has bloody drainage from the nose. What action is most appropriate?
• Which statement best describes a nutrition-related adjustment for dysphagia when eating after a stroke?
• A nurse notes an unsteady, staggering gait during assessment. Which term best describes this description for documentation?
• Which action is least helpful when communicating with a client who has aphasia?
• In Bell's palsy, which symptom best indicates facial nerve involvement?
• Which test would confirm that drainage is CSF?
• Which initial clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to see documented for a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
• Which assessment helps determine the adequacy of the spinal reflex during neurological testing?
• A client with suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome would most likely present with which hallmark clinical manifestation?
• Which positioning is contraindicated for a patient with a basilar skull fracture unless otherwise ordered?
• A client who has had a stroke presents with difficulty chewing food. Dysfunction of which cranial nerve is most likely?
• During a seizure, which action is contraindicated for safety?
• A client with stable vital signs has normal temperature, fluid balance, heart rate, and blood pressure. Which brain region is functioning properly?
• In postcraniotomy care, which positioning aligns with typical intracranial pressure management goals?
• Elevation of the head of the bed to 30 degrees is used to reduce intracranial pressure. Which option shows this angle?
• Which statement about MRI safety is true?
• In the assessment of a patient with brain injury, which parameter provides the most reliable snapshot of cerebral function?
• A client is unable to understand the nurse’s commands after a stroke. Which brain region is most likely damaged?
• Post craniotomy, which symptom should prompt immediate assessment for possible intracranial complications?
• In evaluating a potential epidural hematoma, which question helps establish the onset of neurologic status changes?
• A client is diagnosed with Bell's palsy. The nurse should expect to note which symptom?
• A client with a right (nondominant) hemispheric stroke is alert and oriented to time and place. Which interpretation is most accurate?
• Which caregiver statement demonstrates understanding of homonymous hemianopsia?
• After a seizure, which information is essential to determine the recovery phase?
• Which symptom would most clearly indicate Bell's palsy involvement rather than a central facial palsy from a stroke?
• In Guillain-Barré syndrome, which scenario indicates the highest risk of respiratory failure?
• A stroke patient has right-sided hemianopsia. What strategy helps the patient adapt to this visual field defect?
• Which intervention best supports family coping with an unconscious patient?
• A client recently underwent craniotomy and is being monitored for signs of increased intracranial pressure. Which finding would indicate an early sign of ICP?
• A client is documented as having delirium; which neural structures are most likely implicated?
• In a head injury, the nurse notes a particular posture and reports to the provider. Which posture is associated with this description?
• Which question will most specifically elicit information regarding Bell's palsy?
• A nurse applies a hypothermia blanket to a patient with fever. Which complication should the nurse inspect for during skin checks?
• Which data would best indicate a stroke with unilateral sensory-motor changes?
• Which intervention would be appropriate to manage airway for a client with ALS-related severe dysphagia?
• Elevated arterial carbon dioxide levels can cause which cerebral vascular change?
• A client with multiple sclerosis reports increasing difficulty transferring from bed to a chair. What is the initial nursing action?
• The patient experiences shivering due to hyperthermia. Which medication would likely be prescribed to manage this symptom?
• Which vital sign pattern is characteristic of the Cushing reflex associated with rising intracranial pressure?
• A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome is experiencing ascending paralysis and is intubated. Which plan supports coping for this illness?
• A client who had cranial surgery 5 days earlier to remove a brain tumor has a few cognitive deficits. The nurse plans to implement which approach as most helpful to the client and family at this time?
• Which intervention should be included in the plan of care for a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who is severely dysphagic?
• Which trend in vital signs would indicate rising intracranial pressure?
• Which finding indicates normal function of cranial nerve XII during a physical exam?
• Which sign or symptom would indicate improvement in a client with myasthenia gravis?
• A patient with intracranial pathology is being monitored for LOC changes. Which statement best describes an early indication of deterioration?
• Just before leaving the home, which intervention is done to prevent an episode of autonomic dysreflexia (hyperreflexia)?
• Which of the following is NOT a direct assessment component to calculate the Glasgow Coma Scale score?
• Which factor, if reported by a client with multiple sclerosis, is unrelated to an exacerbation?
• After a concussion, which symptom should prompt urgent evaluation by a healthcare professional?
• For a client with anosognosia, which outcome should be included in care plan?
• Which action is most effective in preventing increases in intracranial pressure after a stroke?
• A client with multiple sclerosis has weakness, spasticity, and an ataxic gait. Which problem should be included in the plan of care?
• Which combination of findings best describes the Cushing reflex?
• A patient with a nasogastric tube receiving 70 mL/hr feeds and a head-of-bed elevation of about 5 degrees demonstrates adventitious breath sounds. Which assessment would you document as the priority nursing judgment?
• Which self-management measure is appropriate for myasthenia gravis to ensure emergency information is available?
• Which finding would verify actual CSF drainage after cranial surgery?
• During assessment of a client with Guillain–Barré syndrome, which finding would be of greatest concern?
• Head injury affecting the occipital lobe focuses assessment on which sense?
• A client with a spinal cord injury shows little interest in food and is very particular about meals. How should the nurse interpret this information?
• A client with a neurological disorder who has difficulty breathing would benefit from which care plan component?
• In a patient with stroke and complete hemiplegia, which item in the medical history should the nurse be most concerned about?
• For a client with myasthenia gravis, what is the recommended timing for taking medications relative to meals?
• In assessing an older patient in the ED with sudden confusion, which factor is most helpful in differentiating delirium from chronic dementia?
• Which cranial nerve is most associated with bradycardia and nausea in the setting described for inferior MI?
• In a patient with a supratentorial brain lesion, which measurement is the most reliable indicator of CNS dysfunction?
• In caring for a client with confusion due to a neurological problem, which approach would be most helpful?
• After a lumbar laminectomy, numbness and tingling down the left lateral thigh and knee should prompt the nurse to do what next?
• Which statement accurately describes how the Glasgow Coma Scale is scored?
• Which explanation best describes trigeminal neuralgia pain?
• The nurse determines that the client needs further teaching if the client makes which statement?
• A client with Bell's palsy asks about prognosis. Which statement is most appropriate?
• During morning care of a client with spinal cord injury, autonomic dysreflexia symptoms develop. What initial nursing action should be taken?
• Which activity indicates the client understands measures to prevent elevations in intracranial pressure?
• A patient who opens eyes to sound, has no verbal response, and localizes to painful stimuli should have what Glasgow Coma Scale score documented?
• In the context of brain injury management, what is the most appropriate nursing action when a patient experiences new numbness after spinal surgery?
• An older client wanders the streets at 3 a.m. The nurse should first determine which piece of data?
• A client’s body image after craniotomy is being reassessed. Which action would indicate the client has not met the outcome criteria by discharge?
• For a patient with a C4 spinal cord injury, what is the nurse’s priority assessment on admission?
• During education on proper body mechanics for a herniated lumbar disk, which action indicates a need for further teaching?
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is prescribed for a client with pain. Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching?
• After a myelogram, which symptom would indicate the need to notify the healthcare provider?
• A client admitted with Guillain-Barré syndrome has the following history. Which past medical history finding would place the client at greatest risk for GBS?
• Which precaution is essential to perform before undergoing magnetic resonance imaging to avoid magnetic attraction?
• For a patient taking divalproex sodium, which laboratory study should be monitored regularly?
• For a client with multiple sclerosis, which activity is beneficial to address mobility issues?
• Which of the following is a true statement about the Glasgow Coma Scale?
• A client with trigeminal neuralgia asks about strategies to minimize episodes of pain. Which statement indicates the client needs further teaching?
• A client with a seizure disorder is being discharged with safety instructions. Which statement indicates the client needs further teaching?
• Which action is NOT recommended to prevent increases in ICP?
• During seizure precautions, which item in the room would indicate a need to review precautions and possibly remove it?
• A client with an inferior wall myocardial infarction experiences bradycardia and nausea. Which cranial nerve mediates the parasympathetic effect on the heart?
• Members of the family of an unconscious client with increased intracranial pressure discuss the situation at the bedside. The nurse interprets this as:
• Which ABG pair is appropriate for maintaining normal ICP in a brain-injured patient on ventilation?
• Following craniotomy with a supratentorial incision, in which position should the client be maintained?
• For a patient with trigeminal neuralgia, which snack is described as most appropriate?
• What is the normal range for intracranial pressure in adults?
• The client who had a craniotomy 3 days ago shows positive signs of meningeal irritation. Which assessment finding would indicate developing meningitis?
• Which dietary statement demonstrates understanding of dietary management for Ménière's disease?
• Which action is NOT appropriate when caring for a client with cervical tongs traction?
• During the tonic phase of a generalized seizure, which sign is most likely observed?
• Which of the following is a component of the circle of Willis?
• Which finding most accurately indicates overhydration that could worsen cerebral edema after craniotomy?
• Which action tests cranial nerve XII during a cranial nerve examination?
• In spinal shock, what is the typical status of reflexes shortly after injury?
• Hydrocephalus is anticipated due to which condition among the choices?
• What finding is expected in Bell's palsy?
• In suspected Huntington's disease, which symptom is an early manifestation?
• Assessment of which aspect of function will yield the best information about cranial nerves III, IV, and VI?
• A nurse instructs a client with myasthenia gravis about self-management at home. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
• For a patient with myasthenia gravis experiencing respiratory compromise, which item at the bedside is most essential?
• Which intervention is appropriate for a patient with right homonymous hemianopsia?
• For ROM planning at discharge after stroke, which action should be included?
• Which statement is most characteristic of Bell's palsy?
• Which observation indicates that spinal shock persists?
• The neurologist would avoid performing the oculocephalic response (doll's eyes maneuver) if which condition is present?
• After transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary gland, the nurse notes CSF leakage on the nasal dressing. What action is most appropriate?
• A client with myasthenia gravis is receiving home care instructions. Which statement indicates the need for further teaching?
• Which practice is essential to reduce infection risk when handling an ICP monitoring system?
• Which nursing action would be appropriate for a Guillain-Barré syndrome patient regarding monitoring?
• Which ROM approach is appropriate for home recovery after stroke?
• Which brain region is primarily associated with language comprehension and can be affected in stroke?
• For a patient with multiple sclerosis, which regimen best supports regular bowel movements?
• A patient with an intracranial pressure monitoring device shows a reading of 22 mm Hg. This level is best described as?
• From an environmental perspective, which approach helps reduce intracranial pressure in a patient with ICP?
• After brain injury, which factor is commonly monitored as a manifestation of secondary brain injury?
• In brainstem injury assessment, what is the highest-priority test to plan?
• Which respiratory outcome would be acceptable in a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome?
• Which measure should be avoided when trying to lower a patient’s body temperature due to hyperthermia?
• During a seizure, which data point best indicates seizure duration?
• In an inferior wall myocardial infarction with a drop in heart rate to the 50s and nausea, which cranial nerve is most likely affected?
• Which sign interpretation best indicates a notationally abnormal primo test in neurology exam?
• Damage to which structure is most associated with difficulty forming new memories?
• In a patient with myasthenia gravis, which precipitating factor should the nurse assess for suspected crisis?
• Which measure should be avoided to prevent trigeminal neuralgia pain episodes?
• Which action reduces sensory stimulation for a patient on aneurysm precautions?
• A patient with Parkinson's disease is observed with which gait pattern?
• Damage to Broca's area results in which language deficit?
• Which data would best indicate a thrombotic stroke?
• In a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury, which action most effectively minimizes the risk of secondary spinal injury during transfer?
• Brown-Séquard syndrome is most likely to present with which finding?
• Which structure is primarily responsible for maintaining wakefulness and arousal?
• After a lumbar puncture, which position should the patient be placed in for care?
• A client with trigeminal neuralgia asks why there is so much pain. Which explanation is appropriate?
• During seizure precautions for a client from the emergency department, which measure should the nurse include to enhance safety?
• In aneurysm precautions, which nursing intervention is appropriate?
• During doll's eyes testing, which eye movement indicates a normal response?
• Which surgical approach is commonly used to perform thymectomy in myasthenia gravis?
• A client with multiple sclerosis has been taking oxybutynin. To evaluate effectiveness, which question would best assess this medication's effect?
• Which action most directly reduces aspiration risk in a patient with a spinal cord injury?
• Which property must an antibiotic have to be effective for meningitis?
• Which outcome indicates successful prevention of cold discomfort and accidental hypothermia in an older adult?
• In intracranial pressure monitoring, where should the transducer be leveled?
• Which professional is most appropriate to address cognitive deficits after a head injury?
• Which measure would be implemented as part of aneurysm precautions?
• A client experiences urinary incontinence due to neurological impairment. Which nursing action would best help the client adapt to this change?
• When a patient with a spinal cord injury becomes angry and resistant to care, which action should the nurse take?
• Which positioning would be least appropriate for a patient with confusion?
• Which action should be avoided during mouth care for an unconscious patient?
• In trigeminal neuralgia management, which action best minimizes pain?
• Which question most specifically elicits information about trigeminal neuralgia?
• Which suggestion is NOT appropriate to minimize aspiration during meals for a client with myasthenia gravis?
• Which statement describes an inappropriate seizure precaution?
• Which finding indicates a properly fitted halo jacket?
• For a client with multiple sclerosis, which action demonstrates the most effective constipation management?
• During oculocephalic testing, movement of the eyes in the same direction as the head should be documented as which of the following?
• During caloric testing of the oculovestibular reflex, cold water is introduced into the left ear. The patient’s eyes move toward the left and then return to midline. What does this indicate?
• In aneurysm precautions, which environmental intervention helps reduce sensory stimulation for the patient?
• Which gait abnormality is not typical for Parkinson's disease?
• Which mechanism is listed as a cause of hydrocephalus in the material?
• A client with multiple sclerosis has a neurogenic bladder. To meet the daily fluid goal of about 2000 mL, which fluid plan is most appropriate?
• A client with a temporal lobe stroke is most likely to have which language-related deficit?
• A head-injured client with residual cognitive deficits shows memory problems and slow processing. Which professional should be consulted for rehabilitation planning?
• In a client with impairment of cranial nerve II, what safety measure should the nurse plan to implement?
• After craniotomy with a supratentorial incision, which postoperative position best preserves venous drainage and minimizes intracranial pressure?
• Which nerve mediates parasympathetic input to the heart, slowing heart rate in the context described?
• Which stimulus is the most common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with spinal cord injury?
• Which action is most appropriate to reduce intracranial pressure after a craniotomy?
• In admitting a patient from the ED with suspected epidural hematoma, which question is of highest priority for the nurse to ask the transferring nurse?
• In evaluating a seizure where the jaw appears to grind during the episode, which factor would help determine seizure origin?
• Which medication would likely be prescribed at discharge for trigeminal neuralgia?
• A patient has difficulty flexing the hips and requires assistive devices. Which item would you expect the patient to use for proper adaptation?
• Postoperative care after cranial surgery aims to optimize cerebral perfusion; which position is recommended when the incision is in the anterior or middle fossa?
• For a head injury patient on mechanical ventilation, which ABG combination supports normal ICP?
• An unconscious patient has persistent hyperthermia with no signs of infection. Which brain structure's dysfunction is most consistent with this presentation?
• To avoid increasing intracranial pressure, which head position should be avoided?
• A client with bacterial meningitis is prescribed an antibiotic with which characteristic?
• A client with Parkinson's disease is being taught fall prevention. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?
• A patient with Ménière's disease is being educated on diet. Which statement indicates understanding?
• The client with a chronic phase of stroke and right-sided hemiparesis cannot feed self. Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
• In a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which prescription should the nurse question?
• A patient who had a supratentorial craniotomy should be placed in which position?
• A client has a neurological deficit involving the limbic system. On assessment, which finding is specific to this type of deficit?
• Which statement would provide the most reassurance to a patient nervous about undergoing MRI?
• In Alzheimer's disease, changes are anticipated in which component of the nervous system?
• A client with hippocampal damage would most likely show which memory change?
• Anxious about a procedure; dilated pupils with increased respiratory rate and heart rate reflect activation of which system?
• Anosognosia is identified in a client with stroke. Which nursing care plan manifestation should be addressed?
• In the care of a patient with cervical tongs traction, which measure ensures that traction force matches the prescribed order?
• The client with a spinal cord injury at T4 has a severe throbbing headache with a blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg. What is the priority nursing intervention?
• A paraplegic client with spinal cord injury presents with sudden headache, nausea, diaphoresis, piloerection, flushing, and a BP of 210 mm Hg. What is the most immediate suspected diagnosis?
• Which finding would alert the nurse that cerebrospinal fluid is present in nasal discharge after a basilar skull fracture?
• The intracranial pressure reading of 8 mm Hg should be documented as which of the following?
• For a client with aphasia, which action would be most helpful to the client?
• A client with a halo device is given discharge instructions. Which statement indicates a misunderstanding that needs clarification?
• Which action is appropriate in the plan for dysphagia following a stroke?
• In documenting the clonic phase of a tonic-clonic seizure, which manifestation is most likely observed?
• At 8:00 a.m., a client who has had a stroke was awake and alert. At noon, the client becomes confused and responsive only to tactile stimuli, with vital signs showing a rise in blood pressure. The nurse should take which action?
• Which statement best describes the mechanism of action of acetazolamide in reducing intracranial pressure?
• Which functions are regulated by the hypothalamus?
• After a lumbar puncture, which approach is commonly recommended to minimize the risk of CSF leakage?
• Which assessment is NOT a component used to calculate the Glasgow Coma Scale score?
• Damage to Wernicke's area results in what language problem?
• Which position is least appropriate for a patient immediately after a supratentorial craniotomy?
• In a postoperative craniotomy patient, which nursing intervention is necessary?
• Which postoperative teaching for a client who had spinal fusion and will wear a brace is most appropriate?
• An alert client with an intracranial aneurysm shows signs of potential LOC deterioration. Which is the earliest sign to monitor?
• Which client activity suggests that teaching about preventing myasthenic and cholinergic crises is most effective?
• Which observation indicates successful adaptation after a stroke?
• During a seizure occurring in bed, which action is inappropriate for the nurse to take?
• A Traumatic Brain Injury patient can identify a set of keys by touch with eyes closed, indicating intact function of which brain lobe?
• Which region is primarily involved in language comprehension, making its lesion lead to comprehension deficits?
• Which concussion symptom would require urgent medical evaluation (immediate HCP contact)?
• At the end of the shift, which data indicate the patient's airway is patent after a stroke?
• To reduce delirium risk after a stroke, the nurse should implement which basic measure?
• A nursing student documents a plan after a lumbar puncture. Which intervention would be incorrect based on standard post-procedure care?
• A family reports behavioral changes after a moderately severe head injury, such as increased fatigue and irritability. This pattern most likely represents which problem?
• Dysfunction of the cochlear division of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) requires which item to aid adaptation?
• In suspected spinal cord injury, what is the primary rationale for maintaining spinal immobilization?
• In caring for an unconscious patient requiring mouth care, which action helps prevent aspiration?
• Which dietary modification is used for residual dysphagia after stroke, specifically thickening liquids to a safer consistency?
• A client with paraplegia is being taught measures to maintain skin integrity. Which instruction will be most helpful?
• A spinal cord injury at the C5 level is associated with weakened respiratory effort. The nurse suspects which problem?
• To assess the function of cranial nerve XII, which action should the nurse ask the patient to perform?
• Which function is primarily associated with the limbic system?
• Which sign is most characteristic of Parkinson's disease and should be anticipated in a patient taking antiparkinsonian medication?
• A patient with myasthenia gravis crisis is being evaluated with edrophonium; which medication should be available if a cholinergic crisis occurs?
• Damage to Broca's area would primarily affect which function?
• Which statement about halo vest fit is correct?
• A client with a cerebellar lesion would most likely need which mobility aid?
• In a client with a left hemisphere stroke causing right-sided weakness, which statement is true?
• A thymectomy performed via median sternotomy for myasthenia gravis requires which postoperative intervention?
• A patient with a hemorrhagic stroke should be placed in which position?
• To help the family cope with an unconscious client, which nursing intervention should be included in the plan of care?
• A client with spinal cord injury is receiving nutrition counseling. The nurse should reinforce that meal choices are an appropriate area for patient involvement within what boundary?
• During seizure precautions, which item would be contraindicated?
• A patient with a left hemisphere lesion presents with right weakness. This lesion most likely lies in which hemisphere?
• Homonymous hemianopsia results in loss of vision in the same half of the visual field in both eyes. True or false?
• Which instruction is most consistent with reducing the risk of skin breakdown under a spinal brace?
• Which statement demonstrates understanding of phenytoin administration?
• A patient with a supratentorial lesion is started on acetazolamide. Which statement best describes the primary action of this medication?
• An acutely disoriented older patient is brought to the ED. The daughter states the patient was 'clear as a bell this morning.' Which is an unlikely cause of this acute change in mental status?
• The nurse notes a client is taking selegiline hydrochloride. The client most likely has which disorder?
• Which vessel is NOT a component of the circle of Willis?
• A patient with basilar skull fracture is at risk for increased ICP. Which position is appropriate?
• Which feeding practice is least appropriate for a client with post-stroke dysphagia?
• A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome has ascending paralysis to the level of the waist. Which items are most essential to have in the client's room to monitor and support this condition?
• Which technique should the nurse use to test the client's peripheral response to pain in an unconscious patient?