AT I M E D - S U R G · N E U R O L O G I C A L D I S O R D E R S
ATI Med-Surg
Neurological Disorders
Practice Question Bank
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topics: Neurological Assessment · Meningitis · Seizures · Parkinson's ·
Alzheimer's · Brain Tumors · MS · Headaches · Eye Disorders
Edition 1 · August 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Neurological Assessment & Diagnostic Procedures 2
3. Meningitis & CNS Infections 3
4. Seizures & Epilepsy 4
,5. Parkinson's Disease 4
6. Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia 5
7. Brain Tumors & MS 5
8. Headaches & Eye Disorders 6
9. Pharmacology & Emergency Management 7
ATI Med-Surg Neurological · Nursing Review Page 1
,ATI MED-SURG NEUROLOGICAL PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & NEURO ASSESSMENT
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. Items marked NEEDS RATIONALE had limited source detail; treat those as flags
for independent review.
Neurological Assessment & Diagnostic Procedures
1 What is the bag valve mask (BVM) used for?
A Providing additional resuscitation until advanced airway is established
B Delivering high concentrations of oxygen to spontaneously breathing patients
C Administering medications during CPR
D Monitoring end-tidal CO₂ levels
Why A is correct: A bag valve mask is a handheld device used to provide positive pressure
ventilation until an advanced airway can be placed.
B — This describes a nonrebreather mask.
C — BVM is for ventilation, not medication administration.
D — Capnography monitors CO₂ levels.
, 2 What is the nonrebreather mask indicated for?
A Patients who need additional resuscitation until advanced airway is established
B Patients who are spontaneously breathing and need high concentrations of oxygen
C Patients with sleep apnea
D Patients with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Why B is correct: A nonrebreather mask delivers high concentrations of oxygen (10-15
L/min) to spontaneously breathing patients.
A — This describes the bag valve mask.
C — CPAP is used for sleep apnea.
D — Nonrebreather is used for CO poisoning.
3 What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) used to assess?
A Level of consciousness
B Pain level
C Respiratory status
D Cardiac function
Why A is correct: The GCS assesses level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal
response, and motor response. Maximum score is 15.
B — Pain is assessed with other scales.
C — Respiratory status is assessed separately.
D — Cardiac function is assessed separately.
ATI Med-Surg
Neurological Disorders
Practice Question Bank
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topics: Neurological Assessment · Meningitis · Seizures · Parkinson's ·
Alzheimer's · Brain Tumors · MS · Headaches · Eye Disorders
Edition 1 · August 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Neurological Assessment & Diagnostic Procedures 2
3. Meningitis & CNS Infections 3
4. Seizures & Epilepsy 4
,5. Parkinson's Disease 4
6. Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia 5
7. Brain Tumors & MS 5
8. Headaches & Eye Disorders 6
9. Pharmacology & Emergency Management 7
ATI Med-Surg Neurological · Nursing Review Page 1
,ATI MED-SURG NEUROLOGICAL PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & NEURO ASSESSMENT
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. Items marked NEEDS RATIONALE had limited source detail; treat those as flags
for independent review.
Neurological Assessment & Diagnostic Procedures
1 What is the bag valve mask (BVM) used for?
A Providing additional resuscitation until advanced airway is established
B Delivering high concentrations of oxygen to spontaneously breathing patients
C Administering medications during CPR
D Monitoring end-tidal CO₂ levels
Why A is correct: A bag valve mask is a handheld device used to provide positive pressure
ventilation until an advanced airway can be placed.
B — This describes a nonrebreather mask.
C — BVM is for ventilation, not medication administration.
D — Capnography monitors CO₂ levels.
, 2 What is the nonrebreather mask indicated for?
A Patients who need additional resuscitation until advanced airway is established
B Patients who are spontaneously breathing and need high concentrations of oxygen
C Patients with sleep apnea
D Patients with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Why B is correct: A nonrebreather mask delivers high concentrations of oxygen (10-15
L/min) to spontaneously breathing patients.
A — This describes the bag valve mask.
C — CPAP is used for sleep apnea.
D — Nonrebreather is used for CO poisoning.
3 What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) used to assess?
A Level of consciousness
B Pain level
C Respiratory status
D Cardiac function
Why A is correct: The GCS assesses level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal
response, and motor response. Maximum score is 15.
B — Pain is assessed with other scales.
C — Respiratory status is assessed separately.
D — Cardiac function is assessed separately.
