NSG 3280 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSES I –
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING – NEUROLOGICAL
& SENSORY SYSTEM DISORDERS PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly develops unilateral weakness,
facial drooping, and slurred speech. Which type of stroke is most commonly
caused by a blood clot forming within a cerebral artery?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Embolic stroke
C. Thrombotic stroke
D. Transient ischemic attack
Correct Answer: C. Thrombotic stroke
Rationale: A thrombotic stroke occurs when a clot forms directly within a cerebral artery,
usually due to atherosclerosis. Embolic strokes occur when a clot travels from another
area of the body. Hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding into the brain tissue.
2. A patient is admitted with a hemorrhagic stroke. Which assessment finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Gradual onset of symptoms over several hours
B. Sudden severe headache and decreased level of consciousness
C. Mild confusion only
D. Slow progression of unilateral numbness
Correct Answer: B. Sudden severe headache and decreased level of consciousness
Rationale: Hemorrhagic strokes often present suddenly with severe headache, vomiting,
and decreased consciousness due to bleeding and rising intracranial pressure.
3. Which patient is at the highest risk for developing a thrombotic stroke?
A. A patient with uncontrolled hypertension and atherosclerosis
B. A patient with seasonal allergies
, C. A patient with appendicitis
D. A patient with osteoporosis
Correct Answer: A. A patient with uncontrolled hypertension and atherosclerosis
Rationale: Hypertension and atherosclerosis damage cerebral blood vessels and increase
clot formation, making thrombotic stroke more likely.
4. A patient suddenly develops right-sided weakness after experiencing atrial
fibrillation. Which type of stroke is most likely?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Embolic stroke
C. Lacunar stroke
D. Ischemic penumbra
Correct Answer: B. Embolic stroke
Rationale: Embolic strokes are commonly associated with atrial fibrillation because blood
clots can form in the heart and travel to cerebral arteries.
5. Which assessment finding indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia and hypotension
C. Warm flushed skin
D. Increased urinary output
Correct Answer: A. Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations
Rationale: These findings are known as Cushing’s triad, a late sign of increased ICP
indicating brainstem compression.
6. A nurse is monitoring a patient with increased ICP. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Position the patient flat in bed
B. Encourage frequent coughing
C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees
D. Flex the patient’s neck forward
Correct Answer: C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous drainage and helps reduce
intracranial pressure.
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING – NEUROLOGICAL
& SENSORY SYSTEM DISORDERS PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly develops unilateral weakness,
facial drooping, and slurred speech. Which type of stroke is most commonly
caused by a blood clot forming within a cerebral artery?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Embolic stroke
C. Thrombotic stroke
D. Transient ischemic attack
Correct Answer: C. Thrombotic stroke
Rationale: A thrombotic stroke occurs when a clot forms directly within a cerebral artery,
usually due to atherosclerosis. Embolic strokes occur when a clot travels from another
area of the body. Hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding into the brain tissue.
2. A patient is admitted with a hemorrhagic stroke. Which assessment finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Gradual onset of symptoms over several hours
B. Sudden severe headache and decreased level of consciousness
C. Mild confusion only
D. Slow progression of unilateral numbness
Correct Answer: B. Sudden severe headache and decreased level of consciousness
Rationale: Hemorrhagic strokes often present suddenly with severe headache, vomiting,
and decreased consciousness due to bleeding and rising intracranial pressure.
3. Which patient is at the highest risk for developing a thrombotic stroke?
A. A patient with uncontrolled hypertension and atherosclerosis
B. A patient with seasonal allergies
, C. A patient with appendicitis
D. A patient with osteoporosis
Correct Answer: A. A patient with uncontrolled hypertension and atherosclerosis
Rationale: Hypertension and atherosclerosis damage cerebral blood vessels and increase
clot formation, making thrombotic stroke more likely.
4. A patient suddenly develops right-sided weakness after experiencing atrial
fibrillation. Which type of stroke is most likely?
A. Hemorrhagic stroke
B. Embolic stroke
C. Lacunar stroke
D. Ischemic penumbra
Correct Answer: B. Embolic stroke
Rationale: Embolic strokes are commonly associated with atrial fibrillation because blood
clots can form in the heart and travel to cerebral arteries.
5. Which assessment finding indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia and hypotension
C. Warm flushed skin
D. Increased urinary output
Correct Answer: A. Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations
Rationale: These findings are known as Cushing’s triad, a late sign of increased ICP
indicating brainstem compression.
6. A nurse is monitoring a patient with increased ICP. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Position the patient flat in bed
B. Encourage frequent coughing
C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees
D. Flex the patient’s neck forward
Correct Answer: C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous drainage and helps reduce
intracranial pressure.
