CAPSTONE PNR 207 EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Status Epilepticus - Answer-At risk for further seizures. O2 and suctioning may be
needed after any seizure to clear the airway and maximize oxygenation. The beds side
rails should be padded to minimize risk to the pt.
Grand Mal - Answer-tonic clonic seizures, be prepared to administer lorazepam IV
Absence seizure - Answer-15- 30 seconds without loss of posture
Huntington chorea - Answer-degenerative neurologic disorder characterized by
abnormal movements (chorea). It begins with pt being fidgety, progresses to constant
movement and intellectual decline. Death usually occurs within 15-20 yrs of diagnosis
Multiple Sclerosis - Answer-Exercise is very beneficial for the MS pt to relieve spasticity
and improve coordination. Because of fatigue, it is often difficult to convince MS pts to
exercise. Swimming provides considerable benefits as water exercise is less fatiguing.
IV methylprednisolone is the standard treatment for acute attacks
Parkinsons - Answer-Basic pathophysiology, caused by depletion of dopamine and
excess of acetylcholine. Decreased swallowing ability can lead to inadequate nutrition
Alzheimers - Answer-VA provides respite care up to 30 days/year
Depression with suicidal ideation - Answer-medication may take several weeks to be
therapeutic, protect from self injury
Mental Health - Answer-Positive/Negative symptoms: Hallucinations, disorganized
thought, and delusional systems are the positive symptoms that respond to
neuroleptics. Negative symptoms such as withdrawl and inactivity do not respond to
neuroleptics
Schizophrenia - Answer-The exact cause is unknown, however, current research favors
the theory that there is a neurologic basis with a genetic component.
Borderline personality disorder - Answer-Assess daily for self-mutilation
Lithium levels - Answer-frequent blood levels, use contraception, avoid caffeine
Amitriptyline - Answer-may take several weeks to become effective
Methimazole (hyperthyroidism) - Answer-All replacement hormones should be taken on
a strict schedule
AND ANSWERS
Status Epilepticus - Answer-At risk for further seizures. O2 and suctioning may be
needed after any seizure to clear the airway and maximize oxygenation. The beds side
rails should be padded to minimize risk to the pt.
Grand Mal - Answer-tonic clonic seizures, be prepared to administer lorazepam IV
Absence seizure - Answer-15- 30 seconds without loss of posture
Huntington chorea - Answer-degenerative neurologic disorder characterized by
abnormal movements (chorea). It begins with pt being fidgety, progresses to constant
movement and intellectual decline. Death usually occurs within 15-20 yrs of diagnosis
Multiple Sclerosis - Answer-Exercise is very beneficial for the MS pt to relieve spasticity
and improve coordination. Because of fatigue, it is often difficult to convince MS pts to
exercise. Swimming provides considerable benefits as water exercise is less fatiguing.
IV methylprednisolone is the standard treatment for acute attacks
Parkinsons - Answer-Basic pathophysiology, caused by depletion of dopamine and
excess of acetylcholine. Decreased swallowing ability can lead to inadequate nutrition
Alzheimers - Answer-VA provides respite care up to 30 days/year
Depression with suicidal ideation - Answer-medication may take several weeks to be
therapeutic, protect from self injury
Mental Health - Answer-Positive/Negative symptoms: Hallucinations, disorganized
thought, and delusional systems are the positive symptoms that respond to
neuroleptics. Negative symptoms such as withdrawl and inactivity do not respond to
neuroleptics
Schizophrenia - Answer-The exact cause is unknown, however, current research favors
the theory that there is a neurologic basis with a genetic component.
Borderline personality disorder - Answer-Assess daily for self-mutilation
Lithium levels - Answer-frequent blood levels, use contraception, avoid caffeine
Amitriptyline - Answer-may take several weeks to become effective
Methimazole (hyperthyroidism) - Answer-All replacement hormones should be taken on
a strict schedule
