Discussion: components of nervous system

Discussion: components of nervous system

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Question 19.              

Following a motor vehicle accident three months prior, a 20-year-old female who has been in a coma since her accident has now had her condition declared a persistent vegetative state. How can her care providers most accurately explain an aspect of her situation to her parents?

“Your daughter has lost all her cognitive functions as well as all her basic reflexes.”

“Though she still goes through a cycle of sleeping and waking, her condition is unlikely to change.”

“If you or the care team notice any spontaneous eye opening, then we will change our treatment plan.”

“Your daughter’s condition is an unfortunate combination of total loss of consciousness with continuation of all other normal brain functions.”

Question 20.              

During a late-night study session, a pathophysiology student reaches out to turn the page of her textbook. Which of the following components of her nervous system has the highest level of control over her arm and hand action?

Cerebelum

Thalamus

Basal ganglia

Frontal lobe

Question 21.              

A patient in the intensive care unit who has a brain tumor has experienced a sharp decline. The care team suspects that water and protein have crossed the blood–brain barrier and been transferred from the vascular space into the patient’s interstitial space. Which of the following diagnoses best captures this pathophysiology?

Focal hypoxia

Cytotoxic edema

Hydrocephalus

Vasogenic edema

Question 24.              

A 70-year-old male has been diagnosed with a stroke that resulted in an infarct to his cerebellum. Which of the following clinical findings would be most closely associated with cerebellar insult?

Flaccid loss of muscle tone

Difficulty starting movement, stopping movement, and maintaining rhythmic movement

Tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia

Unsteady gait and difficulty speaking and swallowing