NCLEX Brain and Neuro Questions

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Question: A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Which of the following symptoms would MOST likely indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Decreased respiratory rate
D. Headache and vomiting
E. Polyuria

Correct Answer: D. Headache and vomiting

Rationale: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious condition that can result from a brain tumor. Symptoms are caused by the pressure buildup within the skull, which affects the brain’s function. Headache and vomiting are common symptoms of increased ICP due to the pressure on various parts of the brain, including areas responsible for nausea and pain sensation. Bradycardia and changes in respiratory rate can also occur but are more indicative of late-stage ICP, while polyuria is unrelated to ICP.

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Question: A patient with Parkinson’s disease is experiencing bradykinesia. Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate to assist with mobility?
A. Encourage complete bed rest
B. Provide assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs)
C. Recommend high-intensity exercise programs
D. Facilitate physical therapy referral
E. Advise on the use of anticholinergic medications

Correct Answer: D. Facilitate physical therapy referral

Rationale: Bradykinesia, or the slowness of movement, is a hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s disease. While assisting with ADLs is important, it is also crucial to promote independence and mobility for as long as possible. Physical therapy can provide targeted exercises that improve movement, balance, and coordination, thus directly addressing the patient’s bradykinesia. High-intensity exercises may be too challenging and could lead to injury, while complete bed rest would exacerbate muscle weakness and atrophy.

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Question: A nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected stroke. Which of the following findings would indicate a hemorrhagic stroke rather than an ischemic stroke?
A. Sudden onset of unilateral weakness B. Severe headache with no known cause C. Aphasia D. Visual disturbances E. Dizziness

Correct Answer: B. Severe headache with no known cause

Rationale: Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain leaks or ruptures, often leading to a sudden, severe headache with no known cause, described as “the worst headache of my life.” This symptom is distinct from ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to the brain and more commonly presents with symptoms like unilateral weakness, aphasia, and visual disturbances. Dizziness can be a symptom of both types of strokes but is not specific to hemorrhagic stroke.

Question: When providing education to a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS), which of the following statements by the nurse is MOST accurate regarding exercise?
A. “Avoid exercise, as it can worsen your symptoms.” B. “You should only engage in low-intensity activities like walking.” C. “Exercise has no impact on MS progression or symptoms.” D. “Regular, moderate exercise can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.” E. “High-intensity exercise is recommended to overcome muscle weakness.”

Correct Answer: D. “Regular, moderate exercise can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.”

Rationale: Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It can help manage common symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and improve overall cardiovascular health, which in turn enhances quality of life. Low-intensity activities are good, but moderate exercise tailored to the individual’s capabilities can provide more significant benefits without worsening symptoms. High-intensity exercise might be too strenuous and could exacerbate symptoms or lead to injury.

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Question: A nurse is planning care for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which of the following interventions should be prioritized to manage respiratory health?
A. Routine cognitive screening B. Aggressive nutritional support C. Regularly scheduled bronchodilator therapy D. Implementation of an exercise regimen E. Monitoring and assisting with noninvasive ventilation as needed

Correct Answer: E. Monitoring and assisting with noninvasive ventilation as needed

Rationale: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control, including the muscles involved in breathing. As the disease progresses, respiratory muscles weaken, making it difficult for the patient to breathe on their own. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) supports the patient’s breathing and is crucial in managing respiratory health in ALS. It helps maintain oxygenation and ventilation, reducing the workload on the respiratory muscles and improving quality of life.

Question: A nurse is caring for a patient who has just undergone surgery for a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Which of the following is the MOST critical post-operative assessment to monitor for signs of complications?
A. Skin integrity around the surgical site B. Level of consciousness (LOC) C. Urine output D. Blood glucose levels E. Temperature

Correct Answer: B. Level of consciousness (LOC)

Rationale: Monitoring the level of consciousness (LOC) is crucial in patients who have undergone surgery for a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Changes in LOC can be one of the earliest signs of increased intracranial pressure, rebleeding, or cerebral vasospasm, which are common and serious complications after SAH. These conditions can rapidly deteriorate a patient’s condition, leading to further brain injury or death if not promptly addressed. While other assessments such as skin integrity, urine output, blood glucose levels, and temperature are important, they are not as immediately critical in indicating complications specific to SAH surgery.

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Question: A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a patient with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Which of the following medications would likely be prescribed to SLOW the progression of cognitive symptoms?
A. Opioids for pain management B. Donepezil C. Anticoagulants D. Antipsychotics for behavior management E. Antibiotics for infections

Correct Answer: B. Donepezil

Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor commonly prescribed to manage cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. By increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, it helps improve or maintain memory, thinking, and the ability to perform simple tasks. It does not cure Alzheimer’s but can slow the progression of symptoms in some patients. In contrast, opioids, anticoagulants, antipsychotics, and antibiotics do not address the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease or its cognitive symptoms directly.

Question: In educating a patient with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder, which of the following lifestyle modifications should the nurse EMPHASIZE to help manage their condition?
A. Increasing caffeine intake B. Adhering to a ketogenic diet C. Engaging in high-intensity sports D. Avoiding flashing lights if photosensitive E. Increasing alcohol consumption

Correct Answer: D. Avoiding flashing lights if photosensitive

Rationale: For patients with seizure disorders, especially those who are photosensitive, avoiding triggers is key to managing their condition. Flashing lights or flickering patterns can provoke seizures in photosensitive individuals. Educating patients on the importance of avoiding these stimuli can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures. While a ketogenic diet may be recommended in some cases to manage seizures, it’s not applicable to all patients. Caffeine and alcohol intake should be moderated as they can affect seizure thresholds, and engaging in high-intensity sports may require precautions depending on the individual’s seizure control and safety measures.

Question: A nurse is assessing a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Which of the following findings would the nurse anticipate in the EARLY stages of the disease? A. Ascending muscle weakness and paralysis B. High-grade fever C. Severe cognitive impairment D. Descending muscle weakness E. Hyperreflexia

Correct Answer: A. Ascending muscle weakness and paralysis

Rationale: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is characterized by the rapid onset of muscle weakness that typically starts in the lower extremities and ascends to the upper body and arms. This pattern of ascending muscle weakness and paralysis is a hallmark sign of GBS, distinguishing it from other neurological disorders. The disease affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms that can progress over hours to weeks. While fever may precede the neurological symptoms, high-grade fever is not a characteristic feature of GBS, and severe cognitive impairment and hyperreflexia are not typical early signs. Descending muscle weakness is more characteristic of other conditions, such as botulism.

Question: When planning care for a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG), which of the following nursing interventions is MOST important to prevent complications?
A. Encouraging participation in high-intensity exercise B. Implementing a soft or liquid diet C. Administering immunosuppressive medications on a strict schedule D. Ensuring the patient is in a supine position for long periods E. Scheduling activities late in the day

Correct Answer: B. Implementing a soft or liquid diet

Rationale: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under voluntary control. It commonly affects muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Implementing a soft or liquid diet can significantly reduce the risk of aspiration and ensure adequate nutrition, as patients with MG may have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). This intervention directly addresses a common and potentially serious complication of MG. Other measures, such as administering immunosuppressive medications, are crucial for managing the disease but do not directly prevent complications related to swallowing difficulties

Question A 45-year-old patient with a traumatic brain injury is admitted to the intensive care unit. The nurse notes that the patient’s intracranial pressure (ICP) is elevated. The nurse understands that an elevated ICP can lead to which of the following complications?
 
a) Hypotension Question 
b) Bradycardia
c) Hypertension
d) Tachycardia

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: b) Bradycardia

Question A 32-year-old patient with a brain tumor is scheduled for a craniotomy. The nurse is preparing the patient for surgery and understands that a priority intervention to prevent complications related to elevated ICP is:

a) Administering analgesics for pain control
b) Keeping the patient in a high Fowler’s position
c) Providing a dark and quiet environment
d) Assisting with relaxation techniques

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: b) Keeping the patient in a high Fowler’s position 

Question A 65-year-old patient with a history of hypertension is admitted to the emergency department with sudden-onset right-sided weakness and slurred speech. The nurse suspects a stroke and begins the initial assessment. Which assessment finding is the most indicative of an ischemic stroke?

a) Sudden severe headache
b) Rapidly improving neurological deficits
c) Unilateral facial droop
d) Decreased level of consciousness

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: c) Unilateral facial droop

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Question A 72-year-old patient is admitted to the stroke unit with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke. The nurse is monitoring the patient closely for complications and understands that the most common early complication of an ischemic stroke is:

a) Cerebral edema
b) Aspiration pneumonia
c) Seizures
d) Hemorrhagic transformation

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: b) Aspiration pneumonia 

Question A 58-year-old patient is admitted to the stroke unit with a diagnosis of hemorrhagic stroke. The nurse is assessing the patient for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which finding is an early sign of increased ICP?

a) Dilated pupils
b) Hypotension
c) Bradycardia
d) Headache

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: d) Headache 

Question A 42-year-old patient is scheduled to undergo a craniotomy for the resection of a brain tumor. The nurse is providing preoperative education and instructs the patient about the importance of avoiding activities that increase intracranial pressure (ICP). The nurse explains that the following activity should be avoided:

a) Deep breathing exercises
b) Coughing forcefully
c) Performing gentle neck stretches
d) Taking slow, controlled walks

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: b) Coughing forcefully 

Question A 58-year-old patient is recovering from a craniotomy for the removal of an intracranial hematoma. The nurse is assessing the patient’s neurological status and understands that the earliest and most sensitive indicator of a change in neurological status following a craniotomy is:

a) Decreased level of consciousness
b) Pupil changes
c) Altered motor function
d) Changes in vital signs

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: b) Pupil changes

Question A 32-year-old female patient presents to the clinic complaining of recurrent severe headaches accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. The patient describes the headache as throbbing in nature and typically lasting for several hours. The nurse suspects a migraine headache and anticipates that the most appropriate first-line pharmacological treatment for this patient would be:

a) Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
b) Ibuprofen (Advil)
c) Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
d) Propranolol (Inderal)

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: c) Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

Question A 45-year-old male patient with a history of migraines is seeking guidance on identifying and managing triggers for his headaches. The nurse provides education about common triggers for migraines and emphasizes that the most important factor in trigger management is:

a) Eliminating all potential triggers
b) Avoiding stress and relaxation techniques
c) Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
d) Identifying and avoiding personal triggers

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: d) Identifying and avoiding personal triggers 

Question A 50-year-old patient with a severe head injury is receiving intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. The nurse notices that the ICP waveform demonstrates an abnormal pattern with increased amplitude and decreased compliance. The nurse recognizes this waveform pattern as:

a) A normal finding
b) Cushing’s triad
c) A Monroe-Kellie violation
d) Brain herniation

Your Answer:

Correct Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer: d) Brain herniation