Chapter 47 Neurological System Function, Assessment, and
Therapeutic Questions with Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: Why is a baseline neurological assessment performed upon admission?
Answer: To provide a reference point to compare the patient's condition in the coming days and weeks.
Question 2: What are the core components of a basic neurological assessment?
Answer: Level of consciousness, orientation, vital signs, pupil response, bilateral extremity
strength/movement, sensation, and neurological history.
Question 3: What does the acronym PERRLA stand for in pupil assessment?
Answer: Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light, and Reactive to Accommodation.
Question 4: What is anisocoria and why must it be reported immediately?
Answer: Anisocoria is unequal pupil size; it can indicate a serious underlying neurological issue.
Question 5: What tools are commonly used to assess a patient's level of consciousness?
Answer: The Glasgow Coma Scale or the FOUR Score Scale.
Question 6: What are the three categories evaluated in the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Answer: Eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a lumbar puncture?
Answer: To obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis of glucose, protein, bacteria, WBCs,
and antibodies.
Question 8: What is the required post-procedure positioning for a patient after a lumbar puncture?
Answer: Maintain flat bedrest for 6-8 hours as ordered by the healthcare provider.
Question 9: What pre-procedure checks are critical before administering contrast dye for a CT scan?
Answer: Check for allergies to dye, shellfish, or iodine, and verify BUN/creatinine levels.
Question 10: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to contrast dye that a patient should report?
Answer: Nausea, diaphoresis, itching, and difficulty breathing.
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Therapeutic Questions with Correct Answers (Grade A+)
Question 1: Why is a baseline neurological assessment performed upon admission?
Answer: To provide a reference point to compare the patient's condition in the coming days and weeks.
Question 2: What are the core components of a basic neurological assessment?
Answer: Level of consciousness, orientation, vital signs, pupil response, bilateral extremity
strength/movement, sensation, and neurological history.
Question 3: What does the acronym PERRLA stand for in pupil assessment?
Answer: Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light, and Reactive to Accommodation.
Question 4: What is anisocoria and why must it be reported immediately?
Answer: Anisocoria is unequal pupil size; it can indicate a serious underlying neurological issue.
Question 5: What tools are commonly used to assess a patient's level of consciousness?
Answer: The Glasgow Coma Scale or the FOUR Score Scale.
Question 6: What are the three categories evaluated in the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Answer: Eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a lumbar puncture?
Answer: To obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis of glucose, protein, bacteria, WBCs,
and antibodies.
Question 8: What is the required post-procedure positioning for a patient after a lumbar puncture?
Answer: Maintain flat bedrest for 6-8 hours as ordered by the healthcare provider.
Question 9: What pre-procedure checks are critical before administering contrast dye for a CT scan?
Answer: Check for allergies to dye, shellfish, or iodine, and verify BUN/creatinine levels.
Question 10: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to contrast dye that a patient should report?
Answer: Nausea, diaphoresis, itching, and difficulty breathing.
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