Free Neurological Nursing MCQs with Answers
50 Neurological Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Covers nursing assessment and management of stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, head injury, spinal cord disorders, Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis. Key areas include level of consciousness, pupil responses, motor and sensory findings, seizure precautions and distinguishing upper motor neuron from lower motor neuron signs.
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50 questions · page 2 of 3
- A. Pain and resistance when the neck is flexed
- B. Painless flexion of the neck toward the chest
- C. Marked weakness only in one lower limb
- D. Loss of sensation in a glove pattern
Explanation: Neck stiffness and resistance to passive neck flexion suggest meningeal irritation.
Correct answer: Pain and resistance when the neck is flexed- A. Gingival enlargement and bleeding
- B. Severe urinary frequency and thirst
- C. Persistent dry cough and hoarseness
- D. Yellow discoloration of the sclera
Explanation: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, especially when oral hygiene is poor, so regular dental care is important.
Correct answer: Gingival enlargement and bleeding- A. Keep the head midline and elevate the head of the bed
- B. Place the patient flat and flex the neck forward
- C. Encourage repeated coughing to clear secretions
- D. Position the patient prone with the hips flexed
Explanation: A midline head position with moderate head elevation promotes venous drainage from the brain and may reduce intracranial pressure.
Correct answer: Keep the head midline and elevate the head of the bed- A. Spinal shock
- B. Autonomic dysreflexia
- C. Neurogenic shock
- D. Brown-Séquard syndrome
Explanation: Spinal shock causes temporary loss of motor activity, sensation and reflexes below the injury, producing flaccid paralysis.
Correct answer: Spinal shock- A. Urgent non-contrast CT scan of the head
- B. Routine electroencephalogram after breakfast
- C. Lumbar puncture before neurological assessment
- D. Cervical spine radiograph before blood testing
Explanation: An urgent non-contrast CT scan helps distinguish an ischaemic stroke from intracranial haemorrhage before antiplatelet treatment is given.
Correct answer: Urgent non-contrast CT scan of the head- A. Possible phenytoin toxicity requiring review
- B. Expected improvement in seizure control
- C. Evidence of bacterial meningitis
- D. A normal response to intravenous fluid
Explanation: Nystagmus and ataxia are recognised signs of phenytoin toxicity and require prompt clinical review, including assessment of the drug level…
Correct answer: Possible phenytoin toxicity requiring review- A. Rise slowly and pause before walking
- B. Stop all prescribed medicines immediately
- C. Drink less fluid before getting out of bed
- D. Turn quickly to improve balance reactions
Explanation: Parkinson disease and antiparkinson medicines can contribute to orthostatic hypotension, so the patient should change position slowly and…
Correct answer: Rise slowly and pause before walking- A. A temporary worsening related to infection
- B. A definite permanent spinal cord lesion
- C. A new bacterial infection of the meninges
- D. A typical adverse effect of levodopa therapy
Explanation: Infection and fever can temporarily worsen existing multiple sclerosis symptoms without representing a new demyelinating relapse.
Correct answer: A temporary worsening related to infection- A. Maintain airway support and suction secretions as needed
- B. Offer frequent oral fluids to clear the throat
- C. Place the patient supine without head support
- D. Give oral tablets with a small amount of water
Explanation: Airway protection and breathing take priority in a patient with reduced consciousness, so secretions should be cleared while airway…
Correct answer: Maintain airway support and suction secretions as needed- A. Report the new upper-limb neurological change immediately
- B. Massage both arms to restore normal circulation
- C. Encourage walking to test the patient's strength
- D. Apply heat to the neck to relax tight muscles
Explanation: New motor or sensory changes after spinal cord injury may indicate neurological deterioration and require immediate reporting and…
Correct answer: Report the new upper-limb neurological change immediately- A. States the name of the hospital only
- B. Follows a simple command only
- C. States the name, place and current time
- D. Withdraws the hand from painful stimulation
Explanation: Orientation means the patient correctly identifies important aspects of person, place and time.
Correct answer: States the name, place and current time- A. Left-sided neglect
- B. Expressive aphasia
- C. Right-sided hemianopia
- D. Impaired hearing on the left
Explanation: Left-sided neglect is an inability to attend to or recognise the left side, commonly associated with a right hemispheric stroke.
Correct answer: Left-sided neglect- A. Offer sips of water
- B. Place the patient in a side-lying position
- C. Restrain the arms and legs
- D. Ask the patient to walk to the bed
Explanation: Side-lying positioning helps maintain airway drainage during the postictal period and supports the breathing priority.
Correct answer: Place the patient in a side-lying position- A. Increasing alertness after rest
- B. New inability to obey a simple command
- C. Pulse of 76 beats per minute
- D. Equal hand grips bilaterally
Explanation: A new inability to follow commands suggests worsening level of consciousness or neurological function and requires prompt reporting.
Correct answer: New inability to obey a simple command- A. Loss of one ankle reflex
- B. Fasciculations in one hand
- C. Spasticity below the lesion
- D. Flaccid weakness in one finger
Explanation: Spasticity is an upper motor neuron feature caused by a central nervous system lesion such as spinal cord damage.
Correct answer: Spasticity below the lesion- A. Encourage large bites to shorten the meal
- B. Position the patient upright during meals
- C. Give thin liquids rapidly between bites
- D. Place the patient flat after each mouthful
Explanation: An upright position supports safer swallowing and reduces aspiration risk.
Correct answer: Position the patient upright during meals- A. Schedule demanding tasks during peak fatigue
- B. Alternate activity with planned rest periods
- C. Exercise until severe weakness develops
- D. Use hot baths before every activity
Explanation: Planned rest periods, pacing and energy conservation help reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Correct answer: Alternate activity with planned rest periods- A. Reposition regularly and inspect the skin
- B. Apply a heating pad to the sacral area
- C. Massage reddened skin over bony areas
- D. Limit protein to reduce urine output
Explanation: Loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed pressure injury, so regular repositioning and frequent skin inspection are essential.
Correct answer: Reposition regularly and inspect the skin- A. Mild thirst after exercise
- B. New severe abdominal pain and vomiting
- C. Occasional hunger before meals
- D. Slightly increased sleep after dosing
Explanation: Severe abdominal pain and vomiting may indicate pancreatitis, a serious adverse effect of sodium valproate.
Correct answer: New severe abdominal pain and vomiting- A. Keep the patient flat and offer oral fluids
- B. Turn the patient to the side and assess the airway
- C. Encourage ambulation to improve circulation
- D. Dim the lights and postpone neurological checks
Explanation: Drowsiness and vomiting increase the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration, so airway assessment and side-lying positioning take…
Correct answer: Turn the patient to the side and assess the airway