Neurologic · Brain Regions & Cranial Nerves

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Sample questions from Neurologic · Brain Regions & Cranial Nerves

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.A 68-year-old client arrives in the emergency department 35 minutes after sudden onset of right facial droop, right arm weakness, and inability to name common objects. Vital signs are BP 176/94 mm Hg, HR 88/min, RR 18/min, and oxygen saturation 97% on room air. Which brain region is most likely affected?

   • A.Left cerebral hemisphere, including the language-dominant frontal region
   • B.Right cerebellar hemisphere
   • C.Occipital lobe
   • D.Hypothalamus

   Rationale: The combination of right-sided weakness and impaired naming localizes to the left cerebral hemisphere, with language dysfunction suggesting dominant frontal involvement. The cerebellum primarily coordinates movement, the occipital lobe processes vision, and the hypothalamus regulates autonomic and endocrine functions. The exam takeaway is to connect contralateral motor findings and language deficits with the affected cerebral hemisphere.

2. 2.A 74-year-old client is admitted to a stroke unit after a left middle cerebral artery infarction. The client has expressive aphasia but follows spoken directions and nods appropriately. Which communication approach should the nurse use?

   • A.Ask one question at a time and allow extra time for the client to respond
   • B.Speak loudly and rapidly to help the client understand
   • C.Finish the client's sentences to reduce frustration
   • D.Use only written instructions because speech is impaired

   Rationale: Expressive aphasia impairs speech production, so simple questions and adequate response time support communication while preserving the client's autonomy. Speaking loudly does not correct an expressive language deficit, finishing sentences can increase frustration, and written instructions may be ineffective if language processing is also affected. The exam takeaway is to distinguish speech production problems from hearing impairment and adapt communication accordingly.

3. 3.A 59-year-old client in the emergency department reports sudden severe vertigo and difficulty walking. The nurse observes horizontal nystagmus, slurred speech, and truncal ataxia; BP is 148/82 mm Hg and glucose is 104 mg/dL. Which structure is most likely involved?

   • A.Cerebellum
   • B.Occipital lobe
   • C.Frontal lobe
   • D.Hypothalamus

   Rationale: Ataxia, nystagmus, and impaired coordination are characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction. The occipital lobe is primarily associated with vision, the frontal lobe with executive function and voluntary motor control, and the hypothalamus with homeostatic regulation. The exam takeaway is that acute coordination and balance abnormalities warrant urgent neurologic evaluation.

4. 4.A 46-year-old client is evaluated after a head injury and reports seeing only the left half of objects on both sides. The client is alert, with BP 128/76 mm Hg and oxygen saturation 98%. Which brain area should the nurse suspect is affected?

   • A.Occipital lobe
   • B.Temporal lobe
   • C.Cerebellum
   • D.Medulla oblongata

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A 71-year-old client with a right-sided brain infarction has left-sided weakness and repeatedly attempts to stand without assistance. The client is oriented to person and place, with BP 154/88 mm Hg and HR 82/min. Which nursing action is the priority?

   • A.Initiate fall precautions and keep the call light and needed items within reach
   • B.Ask the client to explain why standing alone is unsafe
   • C.Place the client in a dark room to reduce stimulation
   • D.Delegate the neurologic assessment to unlicensed assistive personnel

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.