PrepU Ch. 36- Introduction to the Nervous System
To evaluate a client's cerebellar function, a nurse should ask:
"Do you have any problems with
... [Show More] balance?"
Explanation:
To evaluate cerebellar function, the nurse should ask the client about problems with balance and
coordination. The nurse asks about difficulty speaking or swallowing to assess the functions of cranial
nerves IX, X, and XII. Questions about muscle strength help her evaluate the client's motor system.
Which is a sympathetic effect of the nervous system?
Dilated pupils
Explanation:
Dilated pupils are a sympathetic effect of the nervous system, whereas constricted pupils are a
parasympathetic effect. Decreased blood pressure is a parasympathetic effect, whereas increased blood
pressure is a sympathetic effect. Increased peristalsis is a parasympathetic effect, but decreased
peristalsis is a sympathetic effect. Decreased respiratory rate is a parasympathetic effect, and increased
respiratory rate is a sympathetic effect.
The brain is a complex structure and is divided into three parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the
brain stem. The brain stem consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. Which part of the
brain contains regulatory centers for heartbeat, vasomotor activity, and breathing?
medulla oblongata
Explanation:
The medulla oblongata contains vital centers concerned with respiration, heartbeat, and vasomotor
activity (the control of smooth muscle activity in blood vessel walls).
A client has undergone a lumbar puncture for a neurological assessment. The client is put under the
post-procedure care of a nurse. Which important post-procedure nursing interventions should be
performed to ensure maximum comfort for the client? Select all that apply.
Position the client flat for at least three hours or as directed by the physician.
Encourage a liberal fluid intake for the client.
Explanation:
The nurse should encourage the client to take liberal fluids and inspect the injection site for swelling or
hematoma.
A patient is being tested for a gag reflex. When the nurse places the tongue blade to the back of the
throat, there is no response elicited. What dysfunction does the nurse determine the patient has?
Dysfunction of the vagus nerve
Explanation:
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) controls the gag reflex and is tested by depressing the posterior tongue
with a tongue blade. An absent gag reflex is a significant finding, indicating dysfunction of this nerve.
Which cerebral lobe contains the auditory receptive areas?
Temporal
Explanation:
The temporal lobe plays the most dominant role of any area of the cortex in cerebration. The frontal
lobe, the largest lobe, controls concentration, abstract thought, information storage or memory, and
motor function. The parietal lobe contains the primary sensory cortex, which analyzes sensory
information and relays interpretation to the thalamus and other cortical areas. The occipital lobe is
responsible for visual interpretation.
Which finding is considered a positive finding of the Romberg test?
Loss of balance
Explanation:
Slight swaying is normal, but a loss of balance is abnormal and is considered a positive Romberg test.
Hoarseness in the voice is associated with the vagus nerve. Deviation of the tongue is associated with
the hypoglossal nerve. Tearing of the eye is associated with trigeminal nerve.
A blow with a sharp object has resulted in an injury to a patient's skull and the tissues surrounding his
brain. What term is used to describe the fibrous connective tissue that hugs the brain closely and
extends into every fold of the brain's surface? [Show Less]