Chapter 21 Review

The functional unit of the nervous system is the:

• neuron.

• diencephalon.

• receptor cell.

• dermatome.

The patient is experiencing difficulty maintaining body temperature and water balance. Based on your knowledge, which of the brain's divisions is likely responsible?

• Cerebrum

• Hypothalamus

• Pons

• Cerebellum

The patient who is able to demonstrate an active gag and swallow reflex has exhibited appropriate function of the:

• glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves

• olfactory and optic nerves

• facial and hypoglossal nerves

• vestibulocochlear nerve

Which manifestation is most associated with an increase in intracranial pressure?

• A narrowing of pulse pressure

• A widening of pulse pressure

• A decline in systolic blood pressure

• A reduction in body temperature

The nurse notes that the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score has changed since the last assessment. The patient's reading is now 5, and the score from two hours ago was 8. Which action by the nurse is indicated first?

• Repeat the assessment in 30 minutes.

• Do nothing because this change demonstrates an improvement in the patient's condition.

• Contact the physician.

• Notify the patient's family.

After listening to shift report, the nurse is preparing to assign tasks to the unlicensed personnel. Which task is appropriate for this delegation?

• Take vital signs for the patient who is showing signs of decreased level of consciousness following a traumatic head injury.

• Assess if a patient who was admitted after having a stroke the previous day is responding to painful stimuli.

• Assist with the morning care of a patient who has Parkinson disease.

• Assess the Babinski reflexes of a patient after taking vital signs.

The patient is demonstrating difficulty interpreting questions asked by the nurse. Based on your understanding of aphasia, what type is being manifested?

• Receptive

• Expressive

• Global

• Mixed

When preparing to feed the patient with dysphagia, which position will be most therapeutic?

• Semi-Fowler

• Low Fowler

• Prone

• High Fowler