Free Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse MCQ Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient's neurological examination has been deteriorating after a severe occurrence that may have caused hypoxic brain injury. She does not respond to unpleasant stimuli, take spontaneous breaths while on the ventilator, or dilate in response to light. If the family declines a palliative care consultation, which of the following is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Initiate brain death protocol.

Answer

The patient's neurological examination findings—no response to noxious stimuli, no spontaneous respirations while on the ventilator, and fixed pupils—are consistent with brain death. Even if the family declines palliative care, it is medically and ethically appropriate to initiate a brain death protocol to formally determine if brain death has occurred, as this has significant implications for care and prognosis.

Question 2

Which of the following does warfarin users not need to avoid?

Accepted Answer

Iceberg lettuce

Answer

Warfarin is an anticoagulant whose effectiveness is highly sensitive to Vitamin K intake, as Vitamin K promotes blood clotting. Foods high in Vitamin K, such as kale and other dark leafy greens, can counteract warfarin's effects and should be consumed consistently or avoided. Iceberg lettuce has a very low Vitamin K content and therefore does not significantly interfere with warfarin's action.

Question 3

In which of the following injuries is a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube most likely required?

Accepted Answer

C2

Answer

A C2 spinal cord injury is a very high cervical injury that typically results in complete paralysis, including diaphragmatic paralysis, requiring mechanical ventilation. Patients with such severe injuries often lose the ability to swallow safely and effectively, making a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube necessary for long-term nutritional support and to prevent aspiration.

Question 4

A patient who is attempting to get pregnant asks what she may do to help prevent spina bifida from occurring in her unborn child. What is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Eating several oranges daily.

Answer

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that can be largely prevented by adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy. Oranges are a good natural source of folate (folic acid), making this a beneficial dietary recommendation for preventing spina bifida. Other options like alcohol, low-sugar diets, or milk intake do not directly address folic acid needs.

Question 5

At the bedside, a patient's condition following a car accident is being assessed. The patient is intubated; he withdraws in response to unpleasant stimuli and his eyes open to sternal rub. What is his GCS, or Glasgow Coma Scale?

Accepted Answer

Seven

Answer

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. For this patient: eyes open to sternal rub scores 2 (to pain); verbal response is 1 (intubated, unable to assess); and withdrawing to unpleasant stimuli scores 4 (withdraws to pain). Therefore, the total GCS score is 2 + 1 + 4 = 7.

CNRN Test Practice Test

CNRN Test Practice Test

Free Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse MCQ Questions and Answers