MSN 610 Module 2 Questions with Complete
Solutions
Cerebrum
The portion of the brain primarily responsible for a persons mental status
Cerebral cortex
The gray outer layer of the cerebrum. houses the higher mental functions and is responsible for
perception and behavior
Frontal lobe
Contains the motor cortex, Broca's area (speech formation), decision-making, problem-solving,
concentration, and short-term memory.
-The origin of associated areas related to emotions, affect, drive, and self awareness
Parietal lobe
Responsible for the receiving and processing of sensory data
Temporal lobe
- perception and interpretation of sound and localization of sound sources
-Integration of behavior, emotion, personality, and long-term memory
-Location of Wernicke's area
Wernicke's area
- located in the temporal lobe
- allows for the understanding of spoken and written language
Limbic system
,functions in the consolidation of memory for long-termemotions storage
-mediates behavior needed for survival: mating, aggression, fear, and affection
-triggers reactions to emotion like anger, love, hostility, and envy
How is the expression of emotion and behavior mediated in the brain
By connections between the limbic system and the frontal lobe
The reticular system
A collection of nuclei in the brain stem that regulate vital reflexes like in the heart and lungs
-maintains wakefulness which is important in consciousness and awareness
Disruption of the ascending reticular activating system can lead to what?
Altered mental status (confusion and delirium)
Brain development in infants and children
- all neurons are present at birth in full-term infants
- Development continues with the myelinization of nerve cells over several years
What factors can lead to alterations in brain development in infants and children?
- Insults like infection, trauma, and metabolic imbalance can damage cells, causing permanent
dysfunction
-genetic, metabolic, and chromosomal disorders
intellectual maturation in adolescents
- greater capacity for information and vocabulary
- abstract thinking with the ability to:
-develop theories
- use logical reasoning
,- make plans
- use generalizations
-consider risk and posibilities
When does decline of cognitive abilities start?
Generally, after the age of 60-70
What factors impact the cognitive function of older adults?
Genetics, environment, diet, exercise, and chronic disease
Declines in cognitive function in older adults (expected/normal)
- decreased speed of information processing and psychomotor speed
- less cognitive flexibility
Abnormal cognitive decline in older adults
- decline in executive functioning and memory are associated with cognitive impairment
- decline in the ability to plan and develop strategies, organize, concentrate, remember details,
and manage activities.
Rate of dementia in the US
2.4-5.5 million
-prevalence increases with age and illness
Evaluation of cognitive abilities
- can be done during history taking
- specific questions and tasks can provide a detailed assessment
Signs of possible cognitive decline
- significant memory loss, confusion, disorientation, difficulty answering questions, difficulty
following multiple-step directions
, - impaired communication, inappropriate affect, personal care difficulties, hazardous behavior,
agitation, and suspiciousness
Analogies
-what is similar about two objects
- complete comparisons
- what is different about two objects
**an inability to describe similarities and differences may indicate a lesion of the left or
dominant cerebral hemisphere
Abstract reasoning
Ask the pt to tell you the meaning of a fable, proverb, or metaphor.
-a stitch in time saves nine
- a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
- a rolling stone gathers no moss
inability to explain a phrase may indicate poor cognition, brain damage, dementia, or
schizophrenia
Arithmetic calculation
Ask the pt to do simple arithmetic without paper and pencil
- subtract 7 from 50 then subtract 7 from that answer and so on until the answer is 8
** this should be completed with few errors within one minute
** inability to do so may indicate depression, cognitive impairment, or diffuse brain disease
Writing ability
Ask the pt to write their name and address or a dictated phrase
- omission or addition of letters, or mirror writing may indicate aphasia
Solutions
Cerebrum
The portion of the brain primarily responsible for a persons mental status
Cerebral cortex
The gray outer layer of the cerebrum. houses the higher mental functions and is responsible for
perception and behavior
Frontal lobe
Contains the motor cortex, Broca's area (speech formation), decision-making, problem-solving,
concentration, and short-term memory.
-The origin of associated areas related to emotions, affect, drive, and self awareness
Parietal lobe
Responsible for the receiving and processing of sensory data
Temporal lobe
- perception and interpretation of sound and localization of sound sources
-Integration of behavior, emotion, personality, and long-term memory
-Location of Wernicke's area
Wernicke's area
- located in the temporal lobe
- allows for the understanding of spoken and written language
Limbic system
,functions in the consolidation of memory for long-termemotions storage
-mediates behavior needed for survival: mating, aggression, fear, and affection
-triggers reactions to emotion like anger, love, hostility, and envy
How is the expression of emotion and behavior mediated in the brain
By connections between the limbic system and the frontal lobe
The reticular system
A collection of nuclei in the brain stem that regulate vital reflexes like in the heart and lungs
-maintains wakefulness which is important in consciousness and awareness
Disruption of the ascending reticular activating system can lead to what?
Altered mental status (confusion and delirium)
Brain development in infants and children
- all neurons are present at birth in full-term infants
- Development continues with the myelinization of nerve cells over several years
What factors can lead to alterations in brain development in infants and children?
- Insults like infection, trauma, and metabolic imbalance can damage cells, causing permanent
dysfunction
-genetic, metabolic, and chromosomal disorders
intellectual maturation in adolescents
- greater capacity for information and vocabulary
- abstract thinking with the ability to:
-develop theories
- use logical reasoning
,- make plans
- use generalizations
-consider risk and posibilities
When does decline of cognitive abilities start?
Generally, after the age of 60-70
What factors impact the cognitive function of older adults?
Genetics, environment, diet, exercise, and chronic disease
Declines in cognitive function in older adults (expected/normal)
- decreased speed of information processing and psychomotor speed
- less cognitive flexibility
Abnormal cognitive decline in older adults
- decline in executive functioning and memory are associated with cognitive impairment
- decline in the ability to plan and develop strategies, organize, concentrate, remember details,
and manage activities.
Rate of dementia in the US
2.4-5.5 million
-prevalence increases with age and illness
Evaluation of cognitive abilities
- can be done during history taking
- specific questions and tasks can provide a detailed assessment
Signs of possible cognitive decline
- significant memory loss, confusion, disorientation, difficulty answering questions, difficulty
following multiple-step directions
, - impaired communication, inappropriate affect, personal care difficulties, hazardous behavior,
agitation, and suspiciousness
Analogies
-what is similar about two objects
- complete comparisons
- what is different about two objects
**an inability to describe similarities and differences may indicate a lesion of the left or
dominant cerebral hemisphere
Abstract reasoning
Ask the pt to tell you the meaning of a fable, proverb, or metaphor.
-a stitch in time saves nine
- a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
- a rolling stone gathers no moss
inability to explain a phrase may indicate poor cognition, brain damage, dementia, or
schizophrenia
Arithmetic calculation
Ask the pt to do simple arithmetic without paper and pencil
- subtract 7 from 50 then subtract 7 from that answer and so on until the answer is 8
** this should be completed with few errors within one minute
** inability to do so may indicate depression, cognitive impairment, or diffuse brain disease
Writing ability
Ask the pt to write their name and address or a dictated phrase
- omission or addition of letters, or mirror writing may indicate aphasia
