SCRN Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology of Stroke 3

Question 1

Cerebral autoregulation maintains constant cerebral blood flow across which range of mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

50–150 mmHg

Answer

Normal cerebral autoregulation maintains constant cerebral blood flow when MAP ranges from approximately 50–150 mmHg; outside this range, CBF becomes pressure-passive.

Question 2

Which area of the brain is most sensitive to ischemia and will undergo infarction after the shortest duration of ischemia?

Accepted Answer

CA1 region of the hippocampus

Answer

CA1 hippocampal neurons are selectively vulnerable and begin to die within 3–5 minutes of complete ischemia, contributing to memory deficits after global hypoxia.

Question 3

Cytotoxic edema in the ischemic brain is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Failure of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase causing intracellular water accumulation

Answer

Cytotoxic edema results from energy failure and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump dysfunction, causing sodium and water to accumulate within neurons and astrocytes without BBB breakdown.

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for excitotoxic neuronal death in acute ischemia?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Massive glutamate release during ischemia activates NMDA and AMPA receptors, causing calcium influx and triggering excitotoxic neuronal death.

Question 5

In a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral vasospasm most commonly occurs at which time interval after the initial bleed?

Accepted Answer

4–14 days

Answer

Cerebral vasospasm after SAH typically peaks between days 4–14, with the highest risk around days 7–10, due to oxyhemoglobin degradation products irritating vessel walls.

(SCRN) Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Practice Test

(SCRN) Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Practice Test

SCRN Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology of Stroke 3