PCCN Neurological System

Question 1

A patient presents with slurred speech, facial droop, and right-sided weakness. Which diagnostic test should be prioritized first?

Accepted Answer

Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the head

Answer

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer

Carotid Doppler ultrasound

Question 2

Which of the following Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores indicates moderate brain injury?

Accepted Answer

9–12

Answer

13–15

Answer

3–8

Answer

6–9

Question 3

A patient with a spinal cord injury at the level of T4 is at risk for which potentially life-threatening complication?

Accepted Answer

Autonomic dysreflexia

Answer

Seizures

Answer

Cerebral aneurysm

Answer

Brain herniation

Question 4

Which medication is most appropriate for treating increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Accepted Answer

Mannitol

Answer

Morphine sulfate

Answer

Lorazepam

Answer

Amiodarone

Question 5

A patient with a known seizure disorder experiences a tonic-clonic seizure lasting 8 minutes. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV lorazepam

Answer

Record the seizure activity in the chart

Answer

Prepare for lumbar puncture

Answer

Apply soft wrist restraints

Question 6

Which finding is most consistent with a left hemispheric stroke?

Accepted Answer

Right-sided hemiparesis and aphasia

Answer

Impulsive behavior and neglect

Answer

Left-sided weakness and visual neglect

Answer

Intact speech with right-sided weakness

Question 7

When performing a neurologic assessment, what does decerebrate posturing indicate?

Accepted Answer

Midbrain or brainstem dysfunction

Answer

Mild brain injury

Answer

Cervical spinal injury

Answer

Increased oxygenation

Question 8

Which cranial nerve is responsible for pupillary constriction in response to light?

Accepted Answer

Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)

Answer

Cranial Nerve II (Optic)

Answer

Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)

Answer

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)

Question 9

Which of the following signs is most concerning for impending brain herniation in a patient with traumatic brain injury?

Accepted Answer

Dilated, non-reactive pupils

Answer

Restlessness and agitation

Answer

Headache

Answer

Vomiting