Neuro General Flashcards
What is the term for abnormal flexion posturing?
decorticate
Decorticate posturing indicates damage to the brain above the brainstem.
What is the term for abnormal extension posturing?
decerebrate
Decerebrate posturing indicates damage to the brainstem.
Which posturing indicates worse brain involvement, decorticate or decerebrate?
Decerebrate
Decerebrate posturing indicates brainstem involvement, which is more severe.
Which part of a neuron transmits impulses away from the cell body?
Axon
Axons carry signals away from the neuron’s cell body.
Which part of the brain controls breathing?
Medulla
The medulla oblongata regulates vital functions including breathing.
When caring for a patient after a lumbar puncture, which nursing action takes the highest priority?
Have the patient lie flat for 6-8 hours
Lying flat helps prevent headaches and complications after lumbar puncture.
What type of diuretic is Mannitol?
osmotic
Mannitol is used to reduce intracranial pressure and treat cerebral edema.
Which blood pressure change alerts the nurse to increasing ICP?
Widening pulse pressure
Widening pulse pressure can indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
Fill in the blank: The _______ indicates a serious level of brain injury.
decerebrate
Decerebrate posturing signifies brainstem damage.
True or False: The cerebellum controls breathing.
False
The medulla controls breathing, not the cerebellum.
What is the primary function of the medulla oblongata?
Regulates vital autonomic functions such as heart rate and breathing.
True or False: The cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance.
True
Fill in the blank: The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres known as the ________ and ________ hemispheres.
left; right
Which part of the brain acts as a relay station for sensory information?
Thalamus
What role does the medulla play in reflex actions?
It coordinates reflex actions such as swallowing and coughing.
Multiple Choice: Which function is NOT associated with the cerebellum? A) Motor control B) Balance C) Sensory processing D) Posture
C) Sensory processing
What are the main functions of the cerebrum?
Higher brain functions such as thought, learning, and memory.
True or False: The thalamus processes all sensory information before it reaches the cerebrum.
True
What is the function of the medulla in relation to the autonomic nervous system?
It regulates involuntary functions such as blood pressure and digestion.
Fill in the blank: The ________ integrates sensory input and coordinates voluntary movements.
cerebellum
Which structure is primarily involved in emotional regulation and memory?
Cerebrum
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a function of the thalamus? A) Regulating body temperature B) Processing visual information C) Controlling heart rate D) Coordinating balance
B) Processing visual information
What is the medulla’s role in the cardiovascular system?
It controls heart rate and blood vessel constriction.
True or False: The cerebellum is located at the base of the brain.
True
What type of movements does the cerebellum help to refine?
Fine motor movements.
Fill in the blank: The thalamus is located above the ________ in the brain.
medulla
What is the primary role of the cerebral cortex?
It is involved in higher cognitive functions such as reasoning and decision-making.
Multiple Choice: Which part of the brain is responsible for maintaining balance? A) Medulla B) Cerebellum C) Thalamus D) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
What is the function of the thalamus in relation to motor signals?
It relays motor signals from the cerebellum to the cerebrum.
True or False: The medulla does not play a role in respiration.
False
Fill in the blank: The ________ is essential for learning and memory formation.
cerebrum
What is the function of the cerebellum in sports performance?
It helps improve coordination and timing of movements.
Multiple Choice: Which brain structure is involved in sensory perception? A) Medulla B) Cerebellum C) Thalamus D) All of the above
C) Thalamus
What effect does damage to the medulla have on the body?
It can lead to severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
True or False: The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain.
True
What is the role of the cerebellum in learning new motor skills?
It helps to refine and automate the skills through practice.
