Question

1. the ______ controls the most basic functions of the body, such as breathing, blood pressure, swallowing, and pupil constriction.

a. brainstem
b. cerebellum
c. cerebrum
d. spinal cord

1. at each vertebra in the neck and back, ______ nerves, called spinal nerves, branch out from the spinal cord and carry signals to and from the body.

a. two
b. three
c. four
d. five

1. all of the following are associated with altered mental status except:

a. coma
b. seizure
c. incontinence
d. intoxication

1. when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is cut off by a blockage inside a blood vessel, the result is:

a. a hemorrhagic stroke
b. atherosclerosis
c. an ischemic stroke
d. a cerebral embolism

1. the patients who are at the highest risk of hemorrhagic stroke are those who have:

a. untreated hypertension
b. hypotension
c. diabetes
d. atherosclerosis

1. patients with a ruptured aneurysm typically complain of a sudden severe:

a. bout of dizziness
b. headache
c. altered mental status
d. thirst

1. the plaque that builds up in atherosclerosis obstructs blood flow and interferes with the vessels ability to:

a. constrict
b. dilate
c. diffuse
d. exchange gases

1. a transient ischemic attack (tia), or mini - stroke, is the name given to a stroke when symptoms go away on their own in less than:

a. half an hour
b. 1 hour
c. 12 hours
d. 24 hours

1. patients with a decreased level of consciousness:

a. should not be given anything by mouth
b. should be given glucose regardless of the underlying condition
c. do not require medical care
d. require immediate assessment of their pupils

Explanation:

1. The brainstem controls basic life - sustaining functions like breathing, blood pressure, etc.
2. At each vertebra, two spinal nerves branch out from the spinal cord.
3. Incontinence is related to loss of bladder or bowel control, not directly to altered mental status. Coma, seizure, and intoxication are associated with altered mental status.
4. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked by a blood - vessel blockage.
5. Untreated hypertension is a major risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.
6. Ruptured aneurysm often causes a sudden severe headache.
7. Atherosclerosis plaque affects the vessel's ability to dilate.
8. TIA symptoms resolve within 24 hours on their own.
9. Patients with decreased consciousness should not be given anything by mouth to prevent aspiration.

Answer:

1. A. brainstem
2. A. two
3. C. incontinence
4. C. an ischemic stroke
5. A. untreated hypertension
6. B. headache
7. B. dilate
8. D. 24 hours
9. A. should not be given anything by mouth