Nr 283 Pathophysiology Exam 2/Nr283 Exam With
Actual Correct Questions And Verified Detailed
Answers| Currently Testing Version | Already
Graded A+|Newest |2026 2027(Charmberlain)
Which of the following describes the functions of cerebral spinal fluid? Select all that
apply.
1. It collects waste products secreted by brain cells.
2. It exchanges gases with the blood to maintain oxygenation of the brain.
3. It protects the brain from injury.
4. It maintains homeostasis by regulating metabolites around the brain.
Which of the following is accurate about the cerebral spinal fluid circulatory system?
It is a closed system in which there is no escape for cerebral spinal fluid under high
pressure.
Place the following layers of the skull and brain in the correct order (from outside to
inside).
1. Skin
2. Skull
3. Dura matter
4. Arachnoid mater
4. Subarachnoid space
5. Pia mater
6. Brain
When the skull is fractured (particularly a basilar skull fracture), this helps to reduce
pressure by allowing cerebral spinal fluid to expand and escape.
Which of the following can increase intracranial pressure? Select all that apply.
1|Page
,Excessive amounts of spinal fluid
Subdural hematoma
Meningitis
Brain tumor
Example of a risk factor for increased intracranial pressure
blood thinner medications
Increased intracranial pressure causes cerebral ischemia (lack of oxygen to the brain). If
pressure is not relieved, the following occurs:
1. Blood pressure rises to perfuse the brain under pressure.
2. Heart rate slows because blood pressure is increased.
3. Respirations decrease.
4. Pulse pressure widens (the difference between the systolic blood pressure and the
diastolic blood pressure).
herniation
A life-threatening injury called herniation can result. This is where the pressure inside
the skull pushes the brain stem through the foramen magnum, leading to death.
When intracranial pressure becomes life-threatening, blood pressure_______ the heart
rate ______, respirations_______, and pulse pressure ________. If the pressure is not
_______, death will occur.
1. rises
2. slows
3. decreases
4. widens
5. decreased
High brain pressure leads to the following symptoms:
1. Pain: occurs with stretching of the dura and large blood vessels.
2. Vomiting: pressure is on the emetic center in the medulla.
High brain pressure also leads to the following signs:
2|Page
,1. Level of consciousness changes: Pressure is on the cerebral cortex.
Increased blood pressure:
2. Vasoconstriction caused by cerebral ischemia.
3. Slow pulse: Compensating for increased blood pressure.
4. Papilledema: Swelling of the optic disc.
5. Pupils fixed/dilated: Pressure in Cranial Nerve III causes these changes.
Select the correct symptom of high brain pressure to match its cause or the explanation
of why it occurs.(Following 7 cards)
Pain
Occurs with stretching of the dura and large blood vessels
Papilledema
Swelling of the optic disc
Pupils fixed and dilated
Pressure in Cranial Nerve III causes these changes
Level of consciousness changes
Pressure on the cerebral cortex
Vomiting
Pressure on the emetic center in the medulla
Increased blood pressure
Vasoconstriction caused by cerebral ischemia
Slow pulse
Compensating for increased blood pressure
Diagnostic Testing used to identify Increased Intracranial Pressure
1. Computed Tomography Scan(CT) Scan
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)
3|Page
, 3. Ventriculostomy Monitor
$. Lumbar Puncture
Treatment for increased cranial pressure is divided into acute management and chronic
management.
Acute management treatment
During acute management, intracranial pressure is usually increased due to
inflammatory response, acute hemorrhage (bleeding), or acute infection (meningitis). In
these cases, medication and surgery are used to decrease the pressure inside the brain.
Medications include diuretics, anti-inflammatories, and anti-hypertensives. Surgeries
include cerebral spinal fluid drainage or hematoma evacuation. Sometimes a 'burr hole'
(a hold drilled into the skull to relieve pressure) is used. Other efforts to reduce pressure
in the brain include keeping the head of the bed elevated, decreasing external stimuli in
the room (noise and light), and administering oxygen.
Chronic management treatment
In some cases, there is over-production or under-absorption of cerebral spinal fluid
chronically. When this occurs, the most common treatment is a ventriculoperitoneal
shunt. This is a device that drains excess cerebral spinal fluid into the peritoneal cavity
in the abdomen.
The ability for intracranial regulation decreases with age. Cerebral spinal fluid pressure
also decreases with age.
Intracranial pressure can be very sensitive to environmental changes. For example;
Higher altitudes will affect pressure and trigger homeostatic mechanisms to reduce
overall pressure.
In addition, humidity and temperature can have an effect on intracranial pressure
regulation.
Which findings are signs of reduced cognition? Select all that apply.
4|Page
Actual Correct Questions And Verified Detailed
Answers| Currently Testing Version | Already
Graded A+|Newest |2026 2027(Charmberlain)
Which of the following describes the functions of cerebral spinal fluid? Select all that
apply.
1. It collects waste products secreted by brain cells.
2. It exchanges gases with the blood to maintain oxygenation of the brain.
3. It protects the brain from injury.
4. It maintains homeostasis by regulating metabolites around the brain.
Which of the following is accurate about the cerebral spinal fluid circulatory system?
It is a closed system in which there is no escape for cerebral spinal fluid under high
pressure.
Place the following layers of the skull and brain in the correct order (from outside to
inside).
1. Skin
2. Skull
3. Dura matter
4. Arachnoid mater
4. Subarachnoid space
5. Pia mater
6. Brain
When the skull is fractured (particularly a basilar skull fracture), this helps to reduce
pressure by allowing cerebral spinal fluid to expand and escape.
Which of the following can increase intracranial pressure? Select all that apply.
1|Page
,Excessive amounts of spinal fluid
Subdural hematoma
Meningitis
Brain tumor
Example of a risk factor for increased intracranial pressure
blood thinner medications
Increased intracranial pressure causes cerebral ischemia (lack of oxygen to the brain). If
pressure is not relieved, the following occurs:
1. Blood pressure rises to perfuse the brain under pressure.
2. Heart rate slows because blood pressure is increased.
3. Respirations decrease.
4. Pulse pressure widens (the difference between the systolic blood pressure and the
diastolic blood pressure).
herniation
A life-threatening injury called herniation can result. This is where the pressure inside
the skull pushes the brain stem through the foramen magnum, leading to death.
When intracranial pressure becomes life-threatening, blood pressure_______ the heart
rate ______, respirations_______, and pulse pressure ________. If the pressure is not
_______, death will occur.
1. rises
2. slows
3. decreases
4. widens
5. decreased
High brain pressure leads to the following symptoms:
1. Pain: occurs with stretching of the dura and large blood vessels.
2. Vomiting: pressure is on the emetic center in the medulla.
High brain pressure also leads to the following signs:
2|Page
,1. Level of consciousness changes: Pressure is on the cerebral cortex.
Increased blood pressure:
2. Vasoconstriction caused by cerebral ischemia.
3. Slow pulse: Compensating for increased blood pressure.
4. Papilledema: Swelling of the optic disc.
5. Pupils fixed/dilated: Pressure in Cranial Nerve III causes these changes.
Select the correct symptom of high brain pressure to match its cause or the explanation
of why it occurs.(Following 7 cards)
Pain
Occurs with stretching of the dura and large blood vessels
Papilledema
Swelling of the optic disc
Pupils fixed and dilated
Pressure in Cranial Nerve III causes these changes
Level of consciousness changes
Pressure on the cerebral cortex
Vomiting
Pressure on the emetic center in the medulla
Increased blood pressure
Vasoconstriction caused by cerebral ischemia
Slow pulse
Compensating for increased blood pressure
Diagnostic Testing used to identify Increased Intracranial Pressure
1. Computed Tomography Scan(CT) Scan
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)
3|Page
, 3. Ventriculostomy Monitor
$. Lumbar Puncture
Treatment for increased cranial pressure is divided into acute management and chronic
management.
Acute management treatment
During acute management, intracranial pressure is usually increased due to
inflammatory response, acute hemorrhage (bleeding), or acute infection (meningitis). In
these cases, medication and surgery are used to decrease the pressure inside the brain.
Medications include diuretics, anti-inflammatories, and anti-hypertensives. Surgeries
include cerebral spinal fluid drainage or hematoma evacuation. Sometimes a 'burr hole'
(a hold drilled into the skull to relieve pressure) is used. Other efforts to reduce pressure
in the brain include keeping the head of the bed elevated, decreasing external stimuli in
the room (noise and light), and administering oxygen.
Chronic management treatment
In some cases, there is over-production or under-absorption of cerebral spinal fluid
chronically. When this occurs, the most common treatment is a ventriculoperitoneal
shunt. This is a device that drains excess cerebral spinal fluid into the peritoneal cavity
in the abdomen.
The ability for intracranial regulation decreases with age. Cerebral spinal fluid pressure
also decreases with age.
Intracranial pressure can be very sensitive to environmental changes. For example;
Higher altitudes will affect pressure and trigger homeostatic mechanisms to reduce
overall pressure.
In addition, humidity and temperature can have an effect on intracranial pressure
regulation.
Which findings are signs of reduced cognition? Select all that apply.
4|Page
