NEUROLOGICAL NURSING EXAM – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
• Neuroanatomy and Physiology
• Neurological Assessment and Diagnostic Testing
• Acute Care of Cerebrovascular Disorders
• Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Chronic Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions
• Neurological Emergencies and Seizure Management
• Neuro-oncology and Infectious Diseases of the CNS
• Pharmacology in Neurological Nursing
• Ethical and Legal Standards in Neuro-Nursing
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the clinical competence and
theoretical knowledge of nursing professionals specializing in the care of patients with
neurological disorders. This assessment covers a broad spectrum of critical
,concepts, including advanced neuro-assessment techniques, the management of
intracranial pressure, and the complex nursing care required for both acute and
chronic neurological conditions. The exam utilizes a blend of foundational multiple-
choice questions and complex scenario-based inquiries to simulate real-world clinical
decision-making. Candidates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, an
understanding of regulatory compliance, and a commitment to ethical practice while
addressing the physiological and psychological needs of neurologically impaired
patients.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A patient presents with a suspected stroke. Which diagnostic test is the priority
to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke?
A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
B. Lumbar Puncture
C. Non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) scan
D. Cerebral Angiography
🟢 C. Non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) scan
,🔴 RATIONALE: A non-contrast CT scan is the gold standard for the initial evaluation
of acute stroke because it rapidly identifies the presence of intracranial hemorrhage,
which is a contraindication for fibrinolytic therapy.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The
patient opens their eyes to pain, uses inappropriate words, and withdraws from
painful stimuli. What is the GCS score?
A. 8
B. 9
C. 10
D. 11
🟢 B. 9
🔴 RATIONALE: Eye-opening to pain (2), inappropriate words (3), and withdrawal
from pain (4) equals a total score of 9.
3. Which of the following is an early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Cushing’s triad
B. Dilated and fixed pupils
, C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. Decerebrate posturing
🟢 C. Decreased level of consciousness
🔴 RATIONALE: Change in level of consciousness is the most sensitive and earliest
indicator of increasing ICP. Cushing’s triad and posturing are late signs indicating
brainstem involvement.
4. A patient with a T4 spinal cord injury experiences a sudden headache, profuse
sweating above the level of injury, and a BP of 210/110 mmHg. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Administer ordered antihypertensives
B. Check the patient's bladder for distension
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Notify the physician immediately
🟢 B. Check the patient's bladder for distension
🔴 RATIONALE: These are classic signs of autonomic dysreflexia. The priority is to
identify and remove the triggering stimulus, most commonly a distended bladder or
impacted bowel.
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
• Neuroanatomy and Physiology
• Neurological Assessment and Diagnostic Testing
• Acute Care of Cerebrovascular Disorders
• Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Chronic Neurological and Neurodegenerative Conditions
• Neurological Emergencies and Seizure Management
• Neuro-oncology and Infectious Diseases of the CNS
• Pharmacology in Neurological Nursing
• Ethical and Legal Standards in Neuro-Nursing
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the clinical competence and
theoretical knowledge of nursing professionals specializing in the care of patients with
neurological disorders. This assessment covers a broad spectrum of critical
,concepts, including advanced neuro-assessment techniques, the management of
intracranial pressure, and the complex nursing care required for both acute and
chronic neurological conditions. The exam utilizes a blend of foundational multiple-
choice questions and complex scenario-based inquiries to simulate real-world clinical
decision-making. Candidates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, an
understanding of regulatory compliance, and a commitment to ethical practice while
addressing the physiological and psychological needs of neurologically impaired
patients.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A patient presents with a suspected stroke. Which diagnostic test is the priority
to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke?
A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
B. Lumbar Puncture
C. Non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) scan
D. Cerebral Angiography
🟢 C. Non-contrast Computed Tomography (CT) scan
,🔴 RATIONALE: A non-contrast CT scan is the gold standard for the initial evaluation
of acute stroke because it rapidly identifies the presence of intracranial hemorrhage,
which is a contraindication for fibrinolytic therapy.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The
patient opens their eyes to pain, uses inappropriate words, and withdraws from
painful stimuli. What is the GCS score?
A. 8
B. 9
C. 10
D. 11
🟢 B. 9
🔴 RATIONALE: Eye-opening to pain (2), inappropriate words (3), and withdrawal
from pain (4) equals a total score of 9.
3. Which of the following is an early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Cushing’s triad
B. Dilated and fixed pupils
, C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. Decerebrate posturing
🟢 C. Decreased level of consciousness
🔴 RATIONALE: Change in level of consciousness is the most sensitive and earliest
indicator of increasing ICP. Cushing’s triad and posturing are late signs indicating
brainstem involvement.
4. A patient with a T4 spinal cord injury experiences a sudden headache, profuse
sweating above the level of injury, and a BP of 210/110 mmHg. What is the
priority nursing action?
A. Administer ordered antihypertensives
B. Check the patient's bladder for distension
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Notify the physician immediately
🟢 B. Check the patient's bladder for distension
🔴 RATIONALE: These are classic signs of autonomic dysreflexia. The priority is to
identify and remove the triggering stimulus, most commonly a distended bladder or
impacted bowel.
