Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
Identify 6 areas of a patient's past medical history that should be examined in a neurological
assessment. - ansHistory of head or spinal trauma or injuries
Chronic health problems
Surgical procedures
Medications
Personal habits
Family history
What types of past injuries should a nurse inquire about when performing a neurological
assessment? - anshead injuries, spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve damage
What chronic health problems that are non-neurological in nature might be helpful in a
neurological assessment? - ansdiabetes (can produce neuropathy), hyperlipidemia (can
produce stroke), hypertension (usually associated with increased ICP, could produce stroke)
What past surgical procedures might contribute useful information in a neurological
assessment? - anscraniotomy, laminectomy, carotid endartectomy
What personal habits might provide insights in a neurological assessment? - ansalcohol use,
smoking, recreational drugs, chemical exposure
What information related to a patient's family history might be revealing in a neurological
assessment? - anscongenital defects (cerebral palsy--hypoxia; spina bifida--defect resulting
from incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube), Huntington's disease (nerve cells in
certain parts of the brain waste away causing uncontrolled movements and mental
deterioration)
Identify 10 neurological symptoms. - ansheadaches, seizures, syncope, pain, paresthesia, gait
disturbances, visual changes, vertigo, memory disorders, difficulty with swallowing or speech
Identify the 5 areas that are included in assessing a patient's mental status. - ansLevel of
awareness
Level of consciousness (LOC)
Behavior and appearance
Cognitive abilities
Emotional status
Name 5 factors that are included in a general mental status screening. - ansPhysical
appearance and behavior
Dress, grooming and personal hygeine
Facial expression
Affect
Communication
A patient is fully alert and knows their full name and the present time, but has no idea where
they are. Which of the following best characterizes this patient?
A) A&Ox1
B) A&Ox2
C) A&Ox3 - ansB) A&Ox2
A patient is fully alert and is aware of their full name, the present time and where they are.
Which of the following best characterizes this patient?
,Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
A) A&Ox1
B) A&Ox2
C) A&Ox3 - ansC) A&Ox3
What term describes an individual who is drowsy but will awaken in response to stimulation?
- anslethargic (they do not fully awaken)
What term describes an individual who arouses to vigorous and continuous stimulation,
typically applied in the form of a painful stimulus? - ansstuporous
What term describes an individual who fails to respond to vigorous and continuous
stimulation? - anscomatose
A patient that is ________________ will open his eyes in response to deep pain.
stuporous
comatose - ansstuporous
A patient that is ________________ will not open his eyes in response to deep pain.
stuporous
comatose - anscomatose
Identify the progression of strategies (4) that are used for eliciting a patient response. -
ansaddressing the patient in a normal voice
addressing the patient in a loud voice
shaking the patient
applying a painful stimulus--proceed to the next measure in the progression if the patient fails
to respond
Name the 4 areas a nurse would apply a painful stimulus in efforts to elicit a response from
an unresponsive patient? - anssupraorbital pressure
trapezius squeeze
mandibular pressure
sternal rub
A painful stimulus is not required if a nurse has observed ______________________. -
ansspontaneous localization
Higher level cognitive functions are demonstrated by the ability to apply ______________
and _______________. - ansabstract reasoning, judgment
A nurse asks a patient, "What do people mean when they say don't count your chickens
before they hatch?" The nurse intends to assess the patient's ______________________. -
ansabstract reasoning (the nurse will provide a proverb or metaphor that the patient must
explain)
A nurse asks a patient what he would do under a certain set of circumstances. The nurse
intends to assess the patient's ________________. - ansjudgment
What is a screening assessment for cognitive impairment that includes orientation,
registration, attention and calculation, recall and language? - ansMini-Mental State Exam
(MMSE)
A score of 24 on a Mini-Mental State Exam would indicate _________________. -
anspatients scoring greater than 23 indicates they have normal cognitive function
,Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
What is considered to be a normal score for the Mini-Mental State Exam? - ans>23 (30 is a
perfect score)
A score of 20 on a Mini-Mental State Exam would indicate _________________. -
anspatients scoring less than 23 indicates cognitive impairment
Would a patient that scores a 15 on a Mini-Mental State Exam be considered fit to give
informed consent? - ansNo! They would not be considered competent due to evidence of
cognitive impairment.
A patient walks across the room and returns. What characteristic of motor testing was
performed? - ansgait
A patient stands, eyes open and feet together. What characteristic of motor testing was
performed? - ansequilibrium
A patient extends their arms to the side and tries to touch their nose two or three times. What
characteristic of motor testing was performed? - anscoordination
True or false. When a provider uses a soft, whispering voice to ask a patient to count to five,
the examiner is checking the patient's eighth cranial nerve. - anstrue. The vestibulocochlear
nerve is responsible for hearing and equilibrium.
True or false. Taste is a function of both the seventh and ninth cranial nerves. - anstrue. The
facial and glossopharyngeal nerves both have a role in the sensation of taste.
True or false. PERRLA is used to document extra-ocular movements. - ansfalse. PERRLA is
a means of pupillary assessment.
True or false. When a light is shined into one eye, the other pupil should also constrict. -
anstrue. This is known as a consensual response.
True or false. During the interview process of a neurologic assessment, a healthcare provider
should ask, "Have you had a recent sinus infection?" - anstrue
True or false. Mental status is an indicator of cerebral function. - anstrue
True or false. Asking a patient to read a Snellen Chart will evaluate his fifth cranial nerve. -
ansfalse. The second cranial nerve is responsible for visual acuity and can be evaluated with a
Snellen Chart.
True or false. To check the first cranial nerve, ask the patient to identify an odor. - anstrue
True or false. About 20 percent of the population has a minimal or absent gag reflex. -
anstrue
When assessing a patient with a head injury, what would be the proper order for proceeding
through the assessment process? - ansAirway, Breathing, Circulation, Deficit (A, B, C, D)
Mnemonic for the names of cranial nerves - ansOh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Green
Vegetables AH
Mnemonic for the types of cranial nerves - ansSome Stars Make Money, But My Brother
Says Bugs Bunny Makes More
Cranial nerve I - ansOlfactory
Type: sensory
Function: smell
Cranial nerve II - ansOptic
Type: sensory
, Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
Function: central and peripheral vision
Cranial nerve III - ansOculomotor
Type: motor
Function: eyelid elevation, eye movement, pupil constriction
Cranial nerve IV - ansTrochlear
Type: motor
Function: eye movement
Cranial nerve V - ansTrigeminal
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: chewing and facial sensation
Cranial nerve VI - ansAbducens
Type: motor
Function: eye movement
Cranial nerve VII - ansFacial
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: facial expression, taste
Cranial nerve VIII - ansVestibulocochlear
Type: sensory
Function: hearing, equilibrium
Cranial nerve IX - ansGlossopharyngeal
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: gag reflex, swallowing, taste
Cranial nerve X - ansVagus
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: swallowing, speech
Cranial nerve XI - ansAccessory
Type: motor
Function: shoulder movement, head rotation
Cranial nerve XII - ansHypoglossal
Type: motor
Function: tongue movement
A nurse asks a patient to close his eyes while she slowly moves a small card infused with a
peppermint scent towards one of his nostrils. The nurse asks the patient to inform her when
he is able to detect the odor. What cranial nerve is this test designed to evaluate? - ansCranial
nerve I (Olfactory) The odor is normally detectable at 10 cm.
A nurse holds a hand-held Snellen Chart about 14 inches from a patient. She asks the patient
to cover one eye and read out loud the characters on each successive line, starting at the top
of the chart. What cranial nerve is this test intended to evaluate? - ansCranial nerve II (Optic)
A nurse stands in 2 feet in front of a patient and aligns herself at eye level. The nurse asks the
patient to cover his right eye. She extends her arm and raises her forefinger just outside of the
patient's field of vision and instructs the patient to let her know when her finger comes into
view. She wiggles the finger and slowly moves it medially until the patient indicates he can
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
Identify 6 areas of a patient's past medical history that should be examined in a neurological
assessment. - ansHistory of head or spinal trauma or injuries
Chronic health problems
Surgical procedures
Medications
Personal habits
Family history
What types of past injuries should a nurse inquire about when performing a neurological
assessment? - anshead injuries, spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve damage
What chronic health problems that are non-neurological in nature might be helpful in a
neurological assessment? - ansdiabetes (can produce neuropathy), hyperlipidemia (can
produce stroke), hypertension (usually associated with increased ICP, could produce stroke)
What past surgical procedures might contribute useful information in a neurological
assessment? - anscraniotomy, laminectomy, carotid endartectomy
What personal habits might provide insights in a neurological assessment? - ansalcohol use,
smoking, recreational drugs, chemical exposure
What information related to a patient's family history might be revealing in a neurological
assessment? - anscongenital defects (cerebral palsy--hypoxia; spina bifida--defect resulting
from incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube), Huntington's disease (nerve cells in
certain parts of the brain waste away causing uncontrolled movements and mental
deterioration)
Identify 10 neurological symptoms. - ansheadaches, seizures, syncope, pain, paresthesia, gait
disturbances, visual changes, vertigo, memory disorders, difficulty with swallowing or speech
Identify the 5 areas that are included in assessing a patient's mental status. - ansLevel of
awareness
Level of consciousness (LOC)
Behavior and appearance
Cognitive abilities
Emotional status
Name 5 factors that are included in a general mental status screening. - ansPhysical
appearance and behavior
Dress, grooming and personal hygeine
Facial expression
Affect
Communication
A patient is fully alert and knows their full name and the present time, but has no idea where
they are. Which of the following best characterizes this patient?
A) A&Ox1
B) A&Ox2
C) A&Ox3 - ansB) A&Ox2
A patient is fully alert and is aware of their full name, the present time and where they are.
Which of the following best characterizes this patient?
,Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
A) A&Ox1
B) A&Ox2
C) A&Ox3 - ansC) A&Ox3
What term describes an individual who is drowsy but will awaken in response to stimulation?
- anslethargic (they do not fully awaken)
What term describes an individual who arouses to vigorous and continuous stimulation,
typically applied in the form of a painful stimulus? - ansstuporous
What term describes an individual who fails to respond to vigorous and continuous
stimulation? - anscomatose
A patient that is ________________ will open his eyes in response to deep pain.
stuporous
comatose - ansstuporous
A patient that is ________________ will not open his eyes in response to deep pain.
stuporous
comatose - anscomatose
Identify the progression of strategies (4) that are used for eliciting a patient response. -
ansaddressing the patient in a normal voice
addressing the patient in a loud voice
shaking the patient
applying a painful stimulus--proceed to the next measure in the progression if the patient fails
to respond
Name the 4 areas a nurse would apply a painful stimulus in efforts to elicit a response from
an unresponsive patient? - anssupraorbital pressure
trapezius squeeze
mandibular pressure
sternal rub
A painful stimulus is not required if a nurse has observed ______________________. -
ansspontaneous localization
Higher level cognitive functions are demonstrated by the ability to apply ______________
and _______________. - ansabstract reasoning, judgment
A nurse asks a patient, "What do people mean when they say don't count your chickens
before they hatch?" The nurse intends to assess the patient's ______________________. -
ansabstract reasoning (the nurse will provide a proverb or metaphor that the patient must
explain)
A nurse asks a patient what he would do under a certain set of circumstances. The nurse
intends to assess the patient's ________________. - ansjudgment
What is a screening assessment for cognitive impairment that includes orientation,
registration, attention and calculation, recall and language? - ansMini-Mental State Exam
(MMSE)
A score of 24 on a Mini-Mental State Exam would indicate _________________. -
anspatients scoring greater than 23 indicates they have normal cognitive function
,Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
What is considered to be a normal score for the Mini-Mental State Exam? - ans>23 (30 is a
perfect score)
A score of 20 on a Mini-Mental State Exam would indicate _________________. -
anspatients scoring less than 23 indicates cognitive impairment
Would a patient that scores a 15 on a Mini-Mental State Exam be considered fit to give
informed consent? - ansNo! They would not be considered competent due to evidence of
cognitive impairment.
A patient walks across the room and returns. What characteristic of motor testing was
performed? - ansgait
A patient stands, eyes open and feet together. What characteristic of motor testing was
performed? - ansequilibrium
A patient extends their arms to the side and tries to touch their nose two or three times. What
characteristic of motor testing was performed? - anscoordination
True or false. When a provider uses a soft, whispering voice to ask a patient to count to five,
the examiner is checking the patient's eighth cranial nerve. - anstrue. The vestibulocochlear
nerve is responsible for hearing and equilibrium.
True or false. Taste is a function of both the seventh and ninth cranial nerves. - anstrue. The
facial and glossopharyngeal nerves both have a role in the sensation of taste.
True or false. PERRLA is used to document extra-ocular movements. - ansfalse. PERRLA is
a means of pupillary assessment.
True or false. When a light is shined into one eye, the other pupil should also constrict. -
anstrue. This is known as a consensual response.
True or false. During the interview process of a neurologic assessment, a healthcare provider
should ask, "Have you had a recent sinus infection?" - anstrue
True or false. Mental status is an indicator of cerebral function. - anstrue
True or false. Asking a patient to read a Snellen Chart will evaluate his fifth cranial nerve. -
ansfalse. The second cranial nerve is responsible for visual acuity and can be evaluated with a
Snellen Chart.
True or false. To check the first cranial nerve, ask the patient to identify an odor. - anstrue
True or false. About 20 percent of the population has a minimal or absent gag reflex. -
anstrue
When assessing a patient with a head injury, what would be the proper order for proceeding
through the assessment process? - ansAirway, Breathing, Circulation, Deficit (A, B, C, D)
Mnemonic for the names of cranial nerves - ansOh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Green
Vegetables AH
Mnemonic for the types of cranial nerves - ansSome Stars Make Money, But My Brother
Says Bugs Bunny Makes More
Cranial nerve I - ansOlfactory
Type: sensory
Function: smell
Cranial nerve II - ansOptic
Type: sensory
, Unlocking the Mind: Your Comprehensive
Guide to the Neuro/Mental Health Lab
Experience.
Ultimate Exam Study Guide 100% Verified
and Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated Guide 2025/2026.
Function: central and peripheral vision
Cranial nerve III - ansOculomotor
Type: motor
Function: eyelid elevation, eye movement, pupil constriction
Cranial nerve IV - ansTrochlear
Type: motor
Function: eye movement
Cranial nerve V - ansTrigeminal
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: chewing and facial sensation
Cranial nerve VI - ansAbducens
Type: motor
Function: eye movement
Cranial nerve VII - ansFacial
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: facial expression, taste
Cranial nerve VIII - ansVestibulocochlear
Type: sensory
Function: hearing, equilibrium
Cranial nerve IX - ansGlossopharyngeal
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: gag reflex, swallowing, taste
Cranial nerve X - ansVagus
Type: mixed (motor and sensory)
Function: swallowing, speech
Cranial nerve XI - ansAccessory
Type: motor
Function: shoulder movement, head rotation
Cranial nerve XII - ansHypoglossal
Type: motor
Function: tongue movement
A nurse asks a patient to close his eyes while she slowly moves a small card infused with a
peppermint scent towards one of his nostrils. The nurse asks the patient to inform her when
he is able to detect the odor. What cranial nerve is this test designed to evaluate? - ansCranial
nerve I (Olfactory) The odor is normally detectable at 10 cm.
A nurse holds a hand-held Snellen Chart about 14 inches from a patient. She asks the patient
to cover one eye and read out loud the characters on each successive line, starting at the top
of the chart. What cranial nerve is this test intended to evaluate? - ansCranial nerve II (Optic)
A nurse stands in 2 feet in front of a patient and aligns herself at eye level. The nurse asks the
patient to cover his right eye. She extends her arm and raises her forefinger just outside of the
patient's field of vision and instructs the patient to let her know when her finger comes into
view. She wiggles the finger and slowly moves it medially until the patient indicates he can
