NUR 2755 EXAM 3 FINAL PRACTICE 2026/2027
Multidimensional Care IV – Neurology, Trauma,
and Critical Care Questions with Answers and
Rationales
Instructions: This exam contains multiple-choice questions covering the core content tested on NUR
2755 Exam 3 Final. Topics include neurological disorders and stroke, increased intracranial pressure,
spinal cord injury, burns, shock states, triage, and critical care prioritization.
1. A patient presents with a severe headache described as "the worst headache of
my life." This is a classic sign of:
A. Tension headache
B. Migraine with aura
C. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
D. Cluster headache
Correct Answer: C — Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Rationale: A sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache is the hallmark symptom of a
subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), often indicating a ruptured cerebral aneurysm .
2. A patient with a right-hemisphere stroke would most likely exhibit:
A. Aphasia and right-sided weakness
B. Left-sided neglect, impulsivity, and left-sided weakness
C. Bilateral lower extremity paralysis
D. Ataxia and dysmetria
,Correct Answer: B — Left-sided neglect, impulsivity, and left-sided weakness
Rationale: Right-hemisphere strokes affect the left side of the body and commonly
cause left-sided neglect, impulsivity, and left-sided weakness .
3. A patient with a left-hemisphere stroke is likely to present with:
A. Aphasia and right-sided weakness
B. Left-sided neglect and impulsivity
C. Ataxia and nystagmus
D. Bilateral lower extremity weakness
Correct Answer: A — Aphasia and right-sided weakness
Rationale: The left hemisphere controls language in most people and motor
function for the right side. Thus, left-hemisphere stroke typically causes aphasia
and right-sided weakness .
4. The earliest sign of increased intracranial pressure is:
A. Cushing's triad
B. Pupillary changes
C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. Projectile vomiting
Correct Answer: C — Decreased level of consciousness
Rationale: A change in LOC, such as restlessness or confusion, is the most sensitive
and earliest indicator of increasing ICP. Cushing's triad and pupillary changes are
late signs .
, 5. Which assessment finding constitutes Cushing's triad?
A. Hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea
B. Bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
C. Fever, neck stiffness, and photophobia
D. Unilateral weakness, facial droop, and aphasia
Correct Answer: B — Bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and
irregular respirations
Rationale: Cushing's triad reflects the brain's response to severe intracranial
hypertension: rising systolic BP, widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, and
irregular respirations. This is a late, life-threatening sign .
6. A patient with a traumatic brain injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Document the score and continue monitoring
B. Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation
C. Administer oral pain medication
D. Encourage family to stimulate the patient
Correct Answer: B — Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation
Rationale: A GCS score of 8 or less indicates severe TBI and coma. Airway
protection is the priority, as these patients cannot protect their airway. Intubation
and mechanical ventilation are indicated when GCS ≤ 8 .
Multidimensional Care IV – Neurology, Trauma,
and Critical Care Questions with Answers and
Rationales
Instructions: This exam contains multiple-choice questions covering the core content tested on NUR
2755 Exam 3 Final. Topics include neurological disorders and stroke, increased intracranial pressure,
spinal cord injury, burns, shock states, triage, and critical care prioritization.
1. A patient presents with a severe headache described as "the worst headache of
my life." This is a classic sign of:
A. Tension headache
B. Migraine with aura
C. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
D. Cluster headache
Correct Answer: C — Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Rationale: A sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache is the hallmark symptom of a
subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), often indicating a ruptured cerebral aneurysm .
2. A patient with a right-hemisphere stroke would most likely exhibit:
A. Aphasia and right-sided weakness
B. Left-sided neglect, impulsivity, and left-sided weakness
C. Bilateral lower extremity paralysis
D. Ataxia and dysmetria
,Correct Answer: B — Left-sided neglect, impulsivity, and left-sided weakness
Rationale: Right-hemisphere strokes affect the left side of the body and commonly
cause left-sided neglect, impulsivity, and left-sided weakness .
3. A patient with a left-hemisphere stroke is likely to present with:
A. Aphasia and right-sided weakness
B. Left-sided neglect and impulsivity
C. Ataxia and nystagmus
D. Bilateral lower extremity weakness
Correct Answer: A — Aphasia and right-sided weakness
Rationale: The left hemisphere controls language in most people and motor
function for the right side. Thus, left-hemisphere stroke typically causes aphasia
and right-sided weakness .
4. The earliest sign of increased intracranial pressure is:
A. Cushing's triad
B. Pupillary changes
C. Decreased level of consciousness
D. Projectile vomiting
Correct Answer: C — Decreased level of consciousness
Rationale: A change in LOC, such as restlessness or confusion, is the most sensitive
and earliest indicator of increasing ICP. Cushing's triad and pupillary changes are
late signs .
, 5. Which assessment finding constitutes Cushing's triad?
A. Hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea
B. Bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
C. Fever, neck stiffness, and photophobia
D. Unilateral weakness, facial droop, and aphasia
Correct Answer: B — Bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and
irregular respirations
Rationale: Cushing's triad reflects the brain's response to severe intracranial
hypertension: rising systolic BP, widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, and
irregular respirations. This is a late, life-threatening sign .
6. A patient with a traumatic brain injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Document the score and continue monitoring
B. Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation
C. Administer oral pain medication
D. Encourage family to stimulate the patient
Correct Answer: B — Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation
Rationale: A GCS score of 8 or less indicates severe TBI and coma. Airway
protection is the priority, as these patients cannot protect their airway. Intubation
and mechanical ventilation are indicated when GCS ≤ 8 .
