SCRN Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology of Stroke 2

Question 1

Which cerebral artery supplies the lateral surface of the frontal and parietal lobes, including the primary motor cortex of the upper extremity?

Accepted Answer

Middle cerebral artery

Answer

The middle cerebral artery (MCA) supplies the lateral hemispheres including the motor and sensory cortex for the face, arm, and hand.

Question 2

A patient presents with bilateral leg weakness and urinary incontinence after a stroke. Which artery territory is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Anterior cerebral artery

Answer

The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) supplies the medial hemisphere including the leg area of the motor cortex; bilateral ACA involvement causes bilateral leg weakness and incontinence.

Question 3

During cerebral ischemia, the ischemic penumbra is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Hypoperfused but potentially viable tissue surrounding the infarct core

Answer

The ischemic penumbra is electrically silent but metabolically viable tissue surrounding the infarct core that can be salvaged with timely reperfusion.

Question 4

Which ion flux occurs first during the depolarization phase of ischemic neuronal injury?

Accepted Answer

Sodium influx

Answer

During ischemic depolarization, failure of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump leads to massive sodium influx, followed by water entry and cytotoxic edema.

Question 5

Lacunar infarcts are most commonly caused by:

Accepted Answer

Lipohyalinosis of small penetrating arteries

Answer

Lacunar infarcts result from lipohyalinosis or microatheroma of small penetrating arteries (< 15 mm diameter), most commonly in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and internal capsule.

(SCRN) Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Practice Test

(SCRN) Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Practice Test

SCRN Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology of Stroke 2