NSG 252 — Exam 3 Practice Test (Intracranial
Regulation, Inflammation, Mobility)
(100 Multiple Choice Questions with Answers &
Rationales)
1. A patient with a traumatic brain injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7. How should this be
interpreted?
A. Mild brain injury
B. Moderate brain injury
C. Severe brain injury
D. Vegetative state
Rationale: A GCS ≤ 8 indicates a severe brain injury and possible need for airway protection.
2. The earliest sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is:
A. Projectile vomiting
B. Unequal pupils
C. Changes in level of consciousness
D. Cushing’s triad
Rationale: Altered LOC is the most sensitive early indicator of rising ICP.
3. The nurse implements which precaution for bacterial meningitis?
A. Airborne
B. Droplet
C. Contact
D. Reverse isolation
Rationale: Meningococcal meningitis spreads via droplet transmission.
4. The best position to reduce ICP is:
A. Flat
B. Trendelenburg
C. Head of bed 30° elevated
D. High Fowler’s (90°)
Rationale: 30° elevation promotes venous drainage without reducing cerebral perfusion.
,5. Which drug reduces cerebral edema after head trauma?
A. Furosemide
B. Mannitol
C. Dexamethasone
D. Phenytoin
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that decreases brain swelling.
6. The nurse caring for a Parkinson’s patient with bradykinesia should:
A. Encourage rushing through activities
B. Allow extra time for movement
C. Restrict activity
D. Avoid exercise
Rationale: Bradykinesia = slowness; allow time to complete ADLs safely.
7. Decorticate posturing indicates damage to the:
A. Brainstem
B. Cerebral hemispheres
C. Midbrain
D. Cerebellum
Rationale: Flexion toward the body = upper brain injury.
8. Primary goal in managing increased ICP:
A. Lower systolic BP
B. Maintain adequate cerebral perfusion pressure
C. Restrict fluids
D. Reduce respiratory rate
Rationale: CPP > 60 mm Hg ensures brain tissue oxygenation.
9. Cushing’s triad includes:
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia, hypotension, fever
C. Hypertension, tachypnea, bradycardia
D. Tachycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations
Rationale: These are late signs of dangerously elevated ICP.
, 10. Key seizure precaution:
A. Restrain the client
B. Insert oral airway during seizure
C. Pad bed rails and have suction ready
D. Keep patient flat
Rationale: Prevent injury and maintain airway.
11. A meningitis patient is sensitive to light and noise. Priority nursing action?
A. Keep lights bright
B. Place in a quiet, dark room
C. Encourage visitors
D. Elevate head 90°
Rationale: Reduces irritation from photophobia and noise.
12. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates:
A. Renal dysfunction
B. Hepatic disease
C. Systemic inflammation
D. Allergic reaction
Rationale: CRP rises during acute inflammatory responses.
13. Which change suggests worsening ICP?
A. Hypotension
B. Widened pulse pressure
C. Tachycardia
D. Low temperature
Rationale: Widened pulse pressure = increased systolic pressure from rising ICP.
14. MS patient complains of fatigue. Best teaching:
A. Increase caffeine
B. Schedule rest between activities
C. Avoid naps
D. Perform all tasks in the morning
Rationale: Energy conservation reduces symptom flare-ups.
Regulation, Inflammation, Mobility)
(100 Multiple Choice Questions with Answers &
Rationales)
1. A patient with a traumatic brain injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7. How should this be
interpreted?
A. Mild brain injury
B. Moderate brain injury
C. Severe brain injury
D. Vegetative state
Rationale: A GCS ≤ 8 indicates a severe brain injury and possible need for airway protection.
2. The earliest sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is:
A. Projectile vomiting
B. Unequal pupils
C. Changes in level of consciousness
D. Cushing’s triad
Rationale: Altered LOC is the most sensitive early indicator of rising ICP.
3. The nurse implements which precaution for bacterial meningitis?
A. Airborne
B. Droplet
C. Contact
D. Reverse isolation
Rationale: Meningococcal meningitis spreads via droplet transmission.
4. The best position to reduce ICP is:
A. Flat
B. Trendelenburg
C. Head of bed 30° elevated
D. High Fowler’s (90°)
Rationale: 30° elevation promotes venous drainage without reducing cerebral perfusion.
,5. Which drug reduces cerebral edema after head trauma?
A. Furosemide
B. Mannitol
C. Dexamethasone
D. Phenytoin
Rationale: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that decreases brain swelling.
6. The nurse caring for a Parkinson’s patient with bradykinesia should:
A. Encourage rushing through activities
B. Allow extra time for movement
C. Restrict activity
D. Avoid exercise
Rationale: Bradykinesia = slowness; allow time to complete ADLs safely.
7. Decorticate posturing indicates damage to the:
A. Brainstem
B. Cerebral hemispheres
C. Midbrain
D. Cerebellum
Rationale: Flexion toward the body = upper brain injury.
8. Primary goal in managing increased ICP:
A. Lower systolic BP
B. Maintain adequate cerebral perfusion pressure
C. Restrict fluids
D. Reduce respiratory rate
Rationale: CPP > 60 mm Hg ensures brain tissue oxygenation.
9. Cushing’s triad includes:
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia, hypotension, fever
C. Hypertension, tachypnea, bradycardia
D. Tachycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations
Rationale: These are late signs of dangerously elevated ICP.
, 10. Key seizure precaution:
A. Restrain the client
B. Insert oral airway during seizure
C. Pad bed rails and have suction ready
D. Keep patient flat
Rationale: Prevent injury and maintain airway.
11. A meningitis patient is sensitive to light and noise. Priority nursing action?
A. Keep lights bright
B. Place in a quiet, dark room
C. Encourage visitors
D. Elevate head 90°
Rationale: Reduces irritation from photophobia and noise.
12. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates:
A. Renal dysfunction
B. Hepatic disease
C. Systemic inflammation
D. Allergic reaction
Rationale: CRP rises during acute inflammatory responses.
13. Which change suggests worsening ICP?
A. Hypotension
B. Widened pulse pressure
C. Tachycardia
D. Low temperature
Rationale: Widened pulse pressure = increased systolic pressure from rising ICP.
14. MS patient complains of fatigue. Best teaching:
A. Increase caffeine
B. Schedule rest between activities
C. Avoid naps
D. Perform all tasks in the morning
Rationale: Energy conservation reduces symptom flare-ups.
