NCLEX | ATI Neurological Nursing Exam Bank: Stroke Care, Seizures & Neuro Assessment Mastery

1


Comprehensive Exam Bank on Neurological Nursing and Brain
Health: Neuro Assessment, Stroke Care, and Cognitive Support




Table of Contents
Topic 1: Neurological Assessment and Early Recognition of Neuro Changes...................... 2
Topic 2: Stroke Recognition and Emergency Management .............................................. 10
Topic 3: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation and Nursing Management ........................................ 19
Topic 4: Seizure Recognition, Safety, and Nursing Management ...................................... 27
Topic 5: Neurodegenerative Disorders – Nursing Care of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ALS
.................................................................................................................................. 36
Topic 6: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussion Management ................................. 44
Topic 7: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Neurological Rehabilitation .................................... 53
Topic 8: Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy Management .................................................... 61
Topic 9: Neurological Diagnostic Tests and Interpretation .............................................. 70
Topic 10: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Emergency Neuro Care ................................... 78

, 2


Topic 1: Neurological Assessment and Early Recognition
of Neuro Changes
Question 1:

Which cranial nerve is assessed by asking the patient to follow a moving object with their
eyes without moving their head?

A. Optic nerve (CN II)

B. Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

C. Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

D. Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)



Correct Answer: B. Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Rationale: The oculomotor nerve controls most of the eye's movements, including
constriction of the pupil and keeping the eyelid open. It is tested by tracking eye movement.



Question 2:

Which Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score indicates a moderate head injury?

A. 3–5

B. 9–12

C. 13–15

D. 6–8



Correct Answer: B. 9–12

Rationale: A GCS score of 9–12 indicates moderate brain injury; scores ≤8 indicate severe
injury, while 13–15 indicate mild injury.



Question 3:

, 3


A patient with suspected increased intracranial pressure (ICP) should be positioned:

A. Supine with head flat

B. Head of bed elevated to 30 degrees

C. Trendelenburg position

D. High Fowler’s position



Correct Answer: B. Head of bed elevated to 30 degrees

Rationale: Elevating the head of bed to 30 degrees promotes venous drainage from the
brain, helping reduce ICP.



Question 4:

Which of the following symptoms is most indicative of early increased intracranial
pressure?

A. Bradycardia

B. Altered level of consciousness

C. Seizure

D. Fixed dilated pupil



Correct Answer: B. Altered level of consciousness

Rationale: A change in LOC is often the first sign of increased ICP due to its impact on brain
tissue and function.



Question 5:

When assessing motor strength, asking the patient to squeeze your hands evaluates which
motor function?

A. Lower extremity coordination

B. Upper extremity strength

, 4


C. Proprioception

D. Reflex response



Correct Answer: B. Upper extremity strength

Rationale: Hand grasp tests upper motor strength and is used to detect motor deficits and
progression.



Question 6:

Which component is NOT part of the standard neurological assessment?

A. LOC

B. Motor strength

C. Pupillary reaction

D. Blood glucose



Correct Answer: D. Blood glucose

Rationale: While blood glucose affects neurological status, it is not a direct part of the
neurological exam.



Question 7:

Which finding is most concerning in a patient post-head trauma?

A. Drowsiness

B. Unequal pupils

C. Mild headache

D. Scalp laceration



Correct Answer: B. Unequal pupils