NPTE-PT Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems 4

Question 1

Which spinal cord tract carries conscious proprioception and vibration sense to the brain?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal columns (posterior funiculus)

Answer

The dorsal columns (medial lemniscal pathway) carry fine touch, vibration, and conscious proprioception to the sensory cortex via the thalamus.

Question 2

A patient who had a right middle cerebral artery stroke now has left-sided hemiplegia and left homonymous hemianopia. The hemianopia is caused by damage to which structure?

Accepted Answer

Right optic radiation

Answer

The right optic radiation carries visual information from the left visual field; damage causes left homonymous hemianopia contralateral to the side of the MCA stroke.

Question 3

Which finding would differentiate a peripheral vestibular disorder from a central vestibular disorder in a patient with dizziness?

Accepted Answer

Nystagmus that changes direction with gaze

Answer

Direction-changing nystagmus with gaze is a hallmark of central vestibular pathology; peripheral vestibular nystagmus is unidirectional and suppressed by visual fixation.

Question 4

A patient with a T10 complete spinal cord injury would be expected to have intact function at which level?

Accepted Answer

Both A and B

Answer

T10 is above the lumbar plexus, so hip flexors (L1-L3) and knee extensors (L2-L4) would both be paralyzed; however, T10 and above innervated trunk muscles are intact.

Question 5

Which assessment tool is most appropriate for measuring functional mobility and fall risk in a patient with neurological deficits?

Accepted Answer

Berg Balance Scale

Answer

The Berg Balance Scale is a validated 14-item functional balance assessment widely used to quantify balance ability and predict fall risk in neurological populations.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems 4