During an assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse notices ...

[roselinechinyere27m]

During an assessment of an 80-year-old patient, the nurse notices the following: an inability to identify vibrations at her ankle and to identify the position of her big toe, a slower and more deliberate gait, and a slightly impaired tactile sensation.
 
  All other neurologic findings are normal. The nurse should interpret that these findings indicate:
  a.
  CN dysfunction.
  b.
  Lesion in the cerebral cortex.
  c.
  Normal changes attributable to aging.
  d.
  Demyelination of nerves attributable to a lesion.

Question 2

A mother of a 1-month-old infant asks the nurse why it takes so long for infants to learn to roll over. The nurse knows that the reason for this is:
 
  a. A demyelinating process must be occurring with her infant.
  b. Myelin is needed to conduct the impulses, and the neurons of a newborn are not yet myelinated.
  c. The cerebral cortex is not fully developed; therefore, control over motor function gradually occurs.
  d. The spinal cord is controlling the movement because the cerebellum is not yet fully developed.

[TheNamesImani]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Some aging adults show a slower response to requests, especially for those calling for coordination of movements. The findings listed are normal in the absence of other significant abnormal findings. The other responses are incorrect.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The infant's sensory and motor development proceeds along with the gradual acquisition of myelin, which is needed to conduct most impulses. Very little cortical control exists, and the neurons are not yet myelinated. The other responses are not correct.

[roselinechinyere27m]

Excellent

[amcvicar]

Gracias!