CNRN EXAM RATIONALES QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH SOLUTIONS 2024
Chiari malformation - ANSWER Malformation of bones of base of skull cause cerebellar tonsils into
foramen magnum. Sometimes syringomyelia. HA, numbness hands feet, impaired motor in hands. Can
misdiagnose as MS.
spina bifida risk factors - ANSWER Maternal obesity, diabetes, folic acid deficiency, hyperthermia in early
pregnancy, some meds (Valproic Acid). Female, white/Hispanic.
Spina Bifida maternal marker - ANSWER Elevated alpha-Fetoprotein. Related to protein albumin.
Associated with cancers in adults.
Syringomyelia - ANSWER Fluid filled cavity or cyst in SC. Spasticity, weakness, pain. Slow progressive
accumulation of neurological deficits over many years. Surgery can halt but not reverse deficits. MRI to
differentiate between MS.
Frontotemporal Dementia symptoms - ANSWER Aphasia and personality changes
Cholinesterase inhibitors - ANSWER Delay worsening symptoms of Alzheimer's. Don't take with
Huperzine A.
How to instruct patients with alzheimers - ANSWER Provide both verbal and nonverbal cues. No written.
Stage 3 Alzheimer's can cause - ANSWER Seizures
Normal pressure hydrocephalus s&s - ANSWER Impaired memory, broad-based magnetic gait and
incontinence. Enlarged ventricles. A VPS shunt is needed.
Dementia with stepwise increase in severity =? - ANSWER Multiple silent cerebral infarcts
Pseudotumor cerebri greatest risk factor - ANSWER Increase in intracranial pressure for no obvious
reason. Obesity is greatest risk factor
AND ANSWERS WITH SOLUTIONS 2024
Chiari malformation - ANSWER Malformation of bones of base of skull cause cerebellar tonsils into
foramen magnum. Sometimes syringomyelia. HA, numbness hands feet, impaired motor in hands. Can
misdiagnose as MS.
spina bifida risk factors - ANSWER Maternal obesity, diabetes, folic acid deficiency, hyperthermia in early
pregnancy, some meds (Valproic Acid). Female, white/Hispanic.
Spina Bifida maternal marker - ANSWER Elevated alpha-Fetoprotein. Related to protein albumin.
Associated with cancers in adults.
Syringomyelia - ANSWER Fluid filled cavity or cyst in SC. Spasticity, weakness, pain. Slow progressive
accumulation of neurological deficits over many years. Surgery can halt but not reverse deficits. MRI to
differentiate between MS.
Frontotemporal Dementia symptoms - ANSWER Aphasia and personality changes
Cholinesterase inhibitors - ANSWER Delay worsening symptoms of Alzheimer's. Don't take with
Huperzine A.
How to instruct patients with alzheimers - ANSWER Provide both verbal and nonverbal cues. No written.
Stage 3 Alzheimer's can cause - ANSWER Seizures
Normal pressure hydrocephalus s&s - ANSWER Impaired memory, broad-based magnetic gait and
incontinence. Enlarged ventricles. A VPS shunt is needed.
Dementia with stepwise increase in severity =? - ANSWER Multiple silent cerebral infarcts
Pseudotumor cerebri greatest risk factor - ANSWER Increase in intracranial pressure for no obvious
reason. Obesity is greatest risk factor
