DHA Neurological Nursing Practice Questions
What this topic covers
Stroke recognition, raised intracranial pressure, seizures, Glasgow Coma Scale, spinal cord injury and neuro observations.
Free DHA neurological nursing questions
- A yellow ring around a blood spot on gauze, suggesting cerebrospinal fluid
- A pale ring around the pupil on light testing
- Bruising around both eyes after a skull fracture
- A ring of redness around a scalp laceration
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. A yellow ring around a blood spot on gauze, suggesting cerebrospinal fluid
When blood mixed with CSF drips onto white gauze, the blood stays in the centre and a clear or yellowish ring of CSF spreads around it.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – head injury
- A small bruise on the forehead
- Increasing drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Mild headache relieved by paracetamol
- Feeling tired in the evening
Show answer and rationale
Answer: B. Increasing drowsiness or difficulty waking
Increasing drowsiness, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, seizures, or weakness can signal intracranial bleeding and need emergency review.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – head injury
- Resting tremor that lessens with purposeful movement
- Loss of sensation in a glove-and-stocking pattern
- Sudden onset of one-sided paralysis
- Intention tremor that worsens when reaching for objects
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Resting tremor that lessens with purposeful movement
Parkinson's disease features a resting ('pill-rolling') tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – Parkinson's disease
- Hypertension with a rash
- Dry mouth, dilated pupils and constipation
- Increased salivation, sweating, abdominal cramps and muscle twitching
- Fever with neck stiffness
Show answer and rationale
Answer: C. Increased salivation, sweating, abdominal cramps and muscle twitching
Excess anticholinesterase causes cholinergic effects such as secretions, sweating, cramps, diarrhoea, small pupils and fasciculations, along with weakness.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – myasthenia gravis
- L4
- S2
- L1
- T6
Show answer and rationale
Answer: D. T6
Autonomic dysreflexia typically occurs with injuries at T6 or above, where sympathetic outflow below the lesion is uncontrolled.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – spinal cord injury
Questions are written with AI assistance. About 10% (150+) have been reviewed by a licensed nurse so far, and more are reviewed every month. Practice questions are for study only and may contain mistakes; verify with official study guides from your destination country. Report a question
Study tip
A falling GCS or a change in level of consciousness is the earliest and most important sign of neurological deterioration.
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