MSNCB Neurological Nursing 5

Question 1

A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has a forced vital capacity (FVC) of 48%. The nurse should anticipate discussing:

Accepted Answer

Non-invasive ventilatory support options

Answer

An FVC below 50% in ALS indicates significant respiratory compromise and is the threshold for discussing non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP).

Question 2

Which nursing assessment finding is most consistent with a epidural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

Brief loss of consciousness, lucid interval, then rapid deterioration

Answer

Epidural hematoma classically presents with a lucid interval between initial loss of consciousness and rapid neurological deterioration due to arterial bleeding.

Question 3

A patient post-ischemic stroke develops unilateral neglect. Which nursing intervention best addresses this deficit?

Accepted Answer

Place objects on the affected side and teach the patient to scan toward it

Answer

Rehabilitation for unilateral neglect focuses on training the patient to consciously scan toward the affected side, placing items there to encourage awareness.

Question 4

A nurse caring for a patient on therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest should monitor for which common complication?

Accepted Answer

Coagulopathy and electrolyte imbalances

Answer

Therapeutic hypothermia commonly causes coagulopathy, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatemia due to intracellular electrolyte shifts.

Question 5

Which finding in a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury indicates the development of neurogenic shock?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension and bradycardia

Answer

Neurogenic shock results from disrupted sympathetic pathways, causing hypotension and paradoxical bradycardia without compensatory tachycardia.

(MSNCB) Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board Practice Test

(MSNCB) Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board Practice Test

MSNCB Neurological Nursing 5