NR507 / NR 507 Week 8 Exam Q & A (Latest 2024 / 2025): Advanced Pathophysiology – Chamberlain
NR-507 Advanced Pathophysiology
Week 8 Exam Q & A
trigeminal neuralgia
Correct Answer:
inflammation of the fifth cranial nerve characterized by sudden, intense,
brief attacks of sharp pain on one side of the face.
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve. It originates from the brain
and branches into the ophthalmic branch,maxillary branch, and mandibular
branch
Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia involves the use of anticonvulsant
medication.
a. True
b. False
Correct Answer:
True
Bell’s palsy involves an upper motor neuron lesion (False)-
a. True
b. False
Correct Answer:
Bell’s palsy involves a lower motor neuron lesion.
Which of the following are characteristic of trigeminal nerve pain?
a. Often attacks suddenly and is intermittent
b. Pain can be incapacitating
c. Pain is described as sharp and stabbing
d. All of the above
Correct Answer:
all
Which of the following organisms are the most common causes of bacterial
meningitis in newborns?
a. Streptococci pneumoniae
b. Group B streptococci
c. Cryptococcus
d. Varicella zoster
Correct Answer:
Group B streptococci are the most common bacteria causing bacterial
meningitis in newborn.
The ability for the bacteria that causes meningitis to exit the primary
infection site to enter the meninges is based on the organism’s virulent
factors which include:
a. Colonization
b. Immune Evasion
c. Meningeal invasion
d. All of the above
Correct Answer:
All affect the virulence of the bacteria.
The cells responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricle
cavity are:
a. Ependymal cells
b. Synaptic cells
c. Glial cells
d. Nerve cells
Correct Answer:
The epidymal cells are responsible for producing CSF.
The basement membrane of the blood-brain barrier is surrounded by
astrocytes (glial cells).
a. True
b. False
Correct Answer:
This statement is true. The basement membrane of the blood-brain barrier is
surrounded by astrocytes (glial cells).
Meningitis
Correct Answer:
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the layers
that surround and protect the brain. It can be caused by either a bacteria,
virus or fungus
Bacterial Meningitis
Correct Answer:
Newborns: Group B streptococci; E. Coli; Listeria Monocytogenes
Children and Teens: Neisseria Meningitidis; Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Streptococcus Pneumoniae; Listeria Monocytogenes
viral meningitis
Correct Answer:
More common:Enteroviruses, Herpes simplex, HIV
Less common: Mumps, varicella zoster, lymphocytic choriomeningitis
Fungal meningitis
Correct Answer:
Affects immunocompromised:
Cryptococcus
Coccidioides genuses
Tubercular Meningitis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Parasitic Meningitis:P. Falciparum
Powered by https://learnexams.com/search/study?query=
Post-ictal phase of a seizure is characterized by confusion, unresponsiveness and muscle flaccidity.
Which of the following is an etiology of a seizure?
Which of the following is a characteristic of a focal seizure?
Can involve both brain hemispheres.
Usually involves one brain hemisphere.
Patient will have both motor and sensory symptoms at the same time.
A focal seizure only involves on brain hemisphere.
A focal seizure only involves on brain hemisphere.
This statement is true. Febrile seizures are most common in children ages 6 months to 5 years.
The initiation and propagation phase of seizure development is impacted by hyponatremia.
Convulsions
Epilepsy is a disorder that is due to one or more chronic conditions in the body. It is characterized by disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain. This leads to recurrent seizures. Seizures may occur due to brain trauma that leads to disturbed and uncontrolled nerve activity in the brain. It is important to differentiate between epilepsy and seizure.
Seizure is a condition that occurs due to excessive and uncontrolled neuronal activity in the brain. The uncontrolled neuron activity can be generalized or localized to one area of the brain. For example, it can be localized just to the area that perceives the touch sensation. Whether it is generalized or localized, the excessive neuronal activity lead to the seizure. The type of seizure will depend on the area of the brain affected.
Mechanisms of Seizure Development
Normally there exists a balance between the excitation and inhibition of neurons in the CNS. Neuronal activity is regulated by acetylcholine (ACH) and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). Neurons are synchronously active at the same time when they are not supposed to be. The term active denotes neuron firing where they are sending electrical signals from neuron to neuron. A microscope view of a neuron will demonstrate that each electrical signal that passes through it are just ions floating in and out through protein channels (see diagram below). The ion flow is controlled through neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters bind to the receptors to tell the cell to either open the ion channels to relay the chemical message (excitatory neurotransmitters) or close the ion channels to inhibit the electrical message (inhibitory neurotransmitters).
Phases of Seizures
During a seizure, clusters of neurons in the brain become temporarily impaired. Seizures develop in a group of neurons when there is hyperexcitability and usually happens in two phases:
Initiation phase: Some neurons become hyperexcited and start to have excess neuron discharges. One of the most important reasons relates to the body’s sodium level as in the case of hyponatremia.
Propagation phase: Normally the neurons that have neuronal discharges are surround by a zone of inhibitory neurons called the zone of hyperpolarization. This zone prevents the spread of excessive neuron discharges to other parts of the brain. But due to some abnormality in the brain, as in the case of decreased sodium levels, the zone of hyperpolarization gets depolarized that allows the spread of neurons to other parts of the brain.
In the diagram below, the electrical activity in the normal brain is displayed. Seizures can be partial or generalized in terms of the extent of the neuronal discharges. In a partial seizure, a portion of the brain is involved. During a generalized seizure, the neuronal discharge encompasses the entire cerebral cortex.


This seizure is characterized by unconsciousness and muscle rigidity.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures:
This seizure is characterized by muscle spasms.
The post-ictal phase of a seizure can last up to two hours.
An individual having a focal seizure without dyscognitive features will:
Not be able to interact with the environment
Have gradual loss of consciousness
Have no impairment of consciousness.
Lose cognitive ability momentarily
A lack of dyscognitive features will have no impairment of consciousness.
Antiseizure medication is the first line treatment for a febrile seizure.
what are the phases of tonic-clonic seizure
Tonic-clonic phase (lasts 10-20 seconds): Due to the excessive discharge of neurons in the motor nerves that results in:
The muscles of the body become contracted. without any relaxation.
Loss of consciousness.
Ictal cry. This is a typical sound produced by the tonic contractions of the laryngeal muscles and muscles of expiration.
Respiratory impairment that results in cyanosis.
Tonic contraction of the jaw muscles that can cause tongue biting.
Increased sympathetic activity. This will cause increased heart rate and blood pressure
Which of the following is characteristic of a tension headache?
Is the most common type of headache
Is limited to one side of the face
Can be the worst headache experienced
Tension headache is the most common type of headache.
We have an expert-written solution to this problem!
migraine, tension type, cluster, sinus
Secondary headaches are a result of serious underlying diseases. Secondary headaches will consist of warning signs and symptoms. These most often occur in individuals >50 years of age. It is often described as being “the worst headache of my life”. It also has the maximum intensity at onset (thunderclap headache). It may also be triggered or worsened by exertion (subarachnoid hemorrhage). Other concerns include decreased level of consciousness, fever, seizure, present concurrently with infection, malignancy, pregnancy, thrombotic therapy or ophthalmological findings (papilledema). You can remember these by the acronym SNOOP:

Primary vs secondary headaches

Runny nose, eye redness and tearing are associated with cluster headaches.
The facial nerve plays a role in taste sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
True
False
Drooping mouth and eyelid are characteristics signs and symptoms of Bell’s Palsy.
Bell’s Palsy is caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve
True
False
It is caused by damage to the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve).
The trigeminal nerve has both a motor and sensory component.
Bell’s palsy involves weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face that is caused by damage to the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve). The underlying cause of cranial nerve damage is idiopathic. When there is facial nerve paralysis from a known cause (stroke, tumor, trauma), it is not considered a Bell’s palsy. Peripheral nerves that emerge from the brain and brain stem are called cranial nerves. Their anatomical location is shown in the diagram below:

Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia involves the use of anticonvulsant medication.
True
False
Bell’s palsy involves an upper motor neuron lesion (False)-
True
False
Bell’s palsy involves a lower motor neuron lesion.
Group B streptococci are the most common bacteria causing bacterial meningitis in newborn.
All affect the virulence of the bacteria.
The epidymal cells are responsible for producing CSF.
The basement membrane of the blood-brain barrier is surrounded by astrocytes (glial cells).
True
False
Newborns: Group B streptococci; E. Coli; Listeria Monocytogenes
Children and Teens: Neisseria Meningitidis; Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Streptococcus Pneumoniae; Listeria Monocytogenes
More common:Enteroviruses, Herpes simplex, HIV
Less common: Mumps, varicella zoster, lymphocytic choriomeningitis
Tubercular Meningitis: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Parasitic Meningitis:P. Falciparum
In bacterial meningitis, the bacteria from the primary source allow it to enter the meninges based on the its virulent factors.:
Colonization: the bacteria’s ability to colonize the area. For example, the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae can break down the hosts’ antibodies using IgA proteins which breaks down the mucosal antibody IgA. This allows bacteria to colonize the area. Some bacteria also have pili or fimbriae that allows them to attach to the host’s epithelium and invade the area. At this point, the bacteria cause the infection. We can say that this is the primary infection, whether it is pneumonia or sinusitis. Some bacteria have virulent factors or mechanisms that allow them to invade.
Immune evasion: some bacteria have virulent factors or mechanisms that allow them to evade the immune system. For example, the bacteria group B streptococcus and streptococcus pneumoniae have a capsule that allow it to evade macrophages as well as complement factors. The bacteria can enter the blood stream that causes bacteremia allowing it to travel towards the brain. This is known as hematogenous spread. It is important to know that the bacteria can invade the meninges directly from sinusitis, pneumonia or it can go through the cerebrospinal fluid.
Meningeal invasion: Let’s focus on the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The CSF is produced in the brain by the lateral ventricle and provides nourishment for the brain tissues. After production, it flows to the third ventricles then to the fourth ventricle. From the fourth ventricle it enters the subarachnoid space. From the subarachnoid space, it will go through arachnoid granulation and enter the venous sinus. The venous sinus are the big veins that transport the blood back to the heart.
The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier which is a semi-permeable membrane barrier that separates circulation from the brain and prevents substances from getting inside the brain. Blood vessels are composed of endothelial cells. The endothelial cells are surrounded by the basement membrane. The basement membrane is surrounded by astrocytes (glial cells). These are the brain’s supporting cells. This formation only allows certain things to pass through to the brain. The blood brain barrier allows glucose and oxygen to get inside the brain.

Clinical Manifestations of Meningitis
Clinical Manifestations of Meningitis
There is a triad of classic meningitis symptoms:
Nuchal rigidity (neck stiffness)
Physical exam: Kernig’s sign Brudzinski’s sign
Lumbar puncture: if meningitis is suspected: Measures pressure Analyze CSF: WBCs, protein, and glucose
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): can be used to identify specific causes of the meningitis (HIV, enteroviruses, HSV, or tuberculosis). If the specific cause is identified, a test for it may be used. For example: The Western Blot for Borrelia Burgdorferi Thin blood smear for malaria
Treatment
The treatment of meningitis depends on the underlying cause.
Bacterial: Steroids followed by antibiotics to prevent massive injury the leptomeninges from the inflammation that can be caused as the antibiotics destroy the bacteria.
In general, drug treatments using antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals and antiparasitic drugs are aimed at a specific cause of meningitis
Prevention: a vaccine can be given for some causes such as Neisseria meningitis, mumps and disseminated tuberculosis.
Prophylactic antibiotics: to avoid outbreaks of bacterial meningitis


The meninges are pain sensitive.
True
False
This statement is true. The meninges are pain sensitive.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is used to differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis
It is used to establish the cause of the meningitis.
Subclavian steal syndrome is characterized by:
Symptomatic at rest and with activity at the onset of subclavian artery blockage.
Asymptomatic until the patient engages in arm movement.
Individuals with subclavian steal syndrome will be asymptomatic until they engage in arm movement.
Lower extremities: (leg and foot)
Slight upper extremity involvement
Homonymous hemianopia (decreased vision on one half of both sides)
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an episode of neurological dysfunction. If an infarction does not occur, it is a TIA (reversible ischemia). If an infarction does occur, then it is a stroke (irreversible infarct). A TIA increases the risk for a future stroke. It can be associated with sudden onsets of syncope, amnesia or seizures. Risk factors for a TIA include:
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Diabetes mellitus
Obesity
Hypercoagulable states
Amyloid angiopathy
Atrial fibrillation
Myocardial infarction
Previous TIA
Valvular disease
Anterior Circulation: the first artery encountered in the anterior circulation is the internal carotid artery. There is a branch from the internal carotid artery to the ophthalmic artery that innervates the eyeball. Sometimes when there is a TIA involving the ophthalmic artery, the patient may present with ocular blindness. The internal carotid artery continues to the Circle of Willis and branches into the anterior towards the brain between the two hemispheres. It also splits into the middle cerebral artery on the side of the brain
Posterior Circulation: The posterior circulation: starts at the vertebral arteries and continues into the back of the brain.
Vertebral arteries (two): posterior circulation starts here and continues to the back of the brain
Posterior Inferior cerebellar artery (PICA): it supplies the posterior brain and inferior cerebellum. Blood then circulates to the dura mater and eventually becomes:
Basilar artery: the two vertebral arteries converge to form one basilar artery.
Superior cerebellar artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Ischemic stroke: is due to decreased blood flow to the brain due to an embolus that may originate from:
Cardiogenic: it begins in the heart. The embolus can break and travel into the aorta to the carotid artery and continue moving on into either the anterior cerebral artery or the middle cerebral artery.
Clinical Manifestations of Ischemic Stroke
Anterior circulation:
Internal carotid artery: an atherosclerotic plaque is commonly involved that leads to a decreased blood flow to the area. The patient is typically asymptomatic because the Circle of Willis can compensate for diminished blood flow for the lack of blood flow on one side. To exhibit symptoms, both the carotid arteries would have to exhibit diminished blood flow. However, the patient may present with ocular blindness because of the disruption of blood flow to the ophthalmic artery. Clinically, there will be a high-pitched carotid bruit identified on exam.
Lower extremities: (leg and foot)
Slight upper extremity involvement
Abulia: lack of will: due to some frontal lobe involvement
Homonymous hemianopia (decreased vision on one half of both sides)
The posterior circulation supplies the entire brainstem, cerebellum and spine. There are two vertebral arteries that eventually form the single basilar artery. Before branching out to form the basilar artery it gives branch to the posterior cerebral artery shown in the diagram below. The area of the brain supplied by the posterior cerebral artery is shaded in blue in the second diagram. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery and then splits into the superior cerebellar arteries. This comprises the entire brainstem and is controlled by the posterior circulation.

Extracranial: Subclavian steal syndrome: as you locate the subclavian artery below note that with this syndrome, there will be a blockage in the subclavian artery. Also note that one of the first branches of the subclavian artery is the vertebral artery that eventually come together to form the basilar artery. When there is a subclavian artery blockage, the patient will be asymptomatic. But when the individual begins to use their arms (e.g. during exercise), there is more blood flow required and instead of traveling up, travels down. The patient will experience dizziness, diplopia due to decreased circulation to the posterior cerebral artery. They may have staggering due to lack of blood flow to the cerebellum. Atherosclerosis of the vertebral arteries: the patient will report pain in the neck or in the occipital area. There may also be some minor complaints of dizziness and hemianopia as the severity increases. A bruit may be heard in the supraclavicular region or the posterior cervical muscles since the vertebral artery goes through the vertebrae.
Lateral Medullary Syndrome (Sensory Symptoms)
Wallenberg syndrome: involves the posterior-inferior cerebellar artery
e.g. if lesion is on the left brain
Symptoms: face symptoms will be ipsilateral to the lesion. In the rest of the body, symptoms will be on the right side (contralateral):
Face symptoms: pain and numbness related to the trigeminal nerve (5th cranial nerve); nystagmus; diplopia; vertigo; nausea and vomiting
Body symptoms: Decreased pain and temperature sensation in the lower extremities due to major effect on spinothalamic area.
Dysphagia*
Hoarseness*
Decreased gag reflex*
*9th and 10th cranial nerves
Medial Medullary Syndrome (Motor Symptoms)
Involves the anterior spinal artery
e.g. If lesion is on the left brain
Symptoms: face symptoms will be ipsilateral to lesion. In the rest of the body, symptoms will be on the right side (contralateral)
Face symptoms: tongue paralysis (12th cranial nerve)
Body symptoms: paralysis of the entire body on affected side and decreased proprioception
Basilar Artery and Midbrain Syndrome

Midbrain syndrome (Weber’s syndrome)

Treatment of TIA and Ischemic Stroke
Management of the patient will occur in the acute care setting. Perform stabilizing measures if necessary: Check airway, breathing and circulation Check vital signs Obtain blood glucose level Arterial blood gas
Obtain CT scan without contrast to rule out hemorrhagic stroke
If hemorrhagic stroke is ruled out, the individual would receive thrombolytic therapy or thrombectomy
To identify the cause of the stroke: Duplex ultrasound and doppler of cerebral arteries MRI-to visual smaller cerebral arteries Cardiac evaluation to identify valve disorders, thrombus ECG and holter monitor (to identify A-fib)
Our next focus is on the hemorrhagic stroke which requires a different type of management from that of the ischemic stroke.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a rupture of a blood vessel that leads to a hemorrhage. It accounts for approximately 10-15% of all strokes. Cause can be related to long-standing hypertension or venous malformation. The location of the hemorrhage may be inside the brain parenchyma (intracerebral) or in the subarachnoid or subdural spaces.
Etiology
Primary hypertensive hemorrhage: Uncontrolled hypertension weakens the arterial wall. The most common site is the basal ganglia. There will be dilation of the arterial wall
Secondary to ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or aneurysm
Subdural hematoma due to trauma
Pathophysiology
A hemorrhage involves a mass of formed blood. Brain tissue that is adjacent to the hemorrhage becomes compressed which leads to ischemia, edema (due to neutrophil activity in the area) and increased intracranial pressure. The hemorrhage will typically resolve through reabsorption. The macrophages and astrocytes play a role in clearing the blood from the area followed by formation of a cavity surrounded by a thick glial scar. A massive hemorrhage may be fatal.
Clinical Manifestations of Hemorrhagic Stroke
The clinical manifestations are like an ischemic stroke and depend on the location and size of the bleed. An individual with an intracranial hemorrhage due to a leaking or ruptured aneurysm may present with one of the three sets of symptoms below:
“Worst headache of my life”-excruciating generalized headache with onset of immediate unresponsive state
Onset of headache with no loss of consciousness
Sudden onset of unconsciousness
Typically, there may be no local signs if the hemorrhage is confined to the subarachnoid space. If it is not confined, bleeding spreads into the brain tissue to cause hemiparesis/paralysis, aphasia or homonymous hemianopsia.
The role of the NP may involve recognizing the warning signs of an impending rupture of the aneurysm which include transient unilateral weakness, numbness and tingling. There may also be transient aphasia. Prompt referral to the emergency department and a neurologist is indicated. The NP should also be aware that the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association provided clinical guidelines for the management of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Stroke
The following factors will guide the diagnosis of a hemorrhagic stroke:
Health history
Clinical presentation
Laboratory tests
Neurological imaging procedures CT and MRI
First, treatment must be initiated within 3-4 hours of the onset of symptoms in order to reverse brain ischemia. This further underscores the need for the NP to perform a thorough health history and symptom analysis. If signs point to a hemorrhagic stroke, then again, prompt referral is necessary.
Treatment of Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke confined to the subarachnoid space will present with no local signs.
True
False
All play a role in the development of rosacea.
Factors that can trigger rosacea include:
Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, there are several theories that may help to explain its underlying causes:
Aberrant innate immune system: Activation of the innate immune system causes the release of cytokines and antimicrobial molecules such as peptide cathelicidin. They also envelope viruses and fungi. In rosacea, the peptide cathelicidin is unregulated and therefore, leads to an over response of the innate immune system.
Ultraviolet radiation: this is thought to trigger angiogenesis and increase production of reactive oxygen species that leads to upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that result is damage to the blood vessels and dermal matrix. MMPs are a group of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of most extracellular proteins during organogenesis, growth and normal tissue turnover.
Vascular changes: there is increased blood flow in skin with associated flushing with rosacea that may be the result of an elevated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and lymphatic endothelial markers that suggests stimulation of blood vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells.
Epidermal barrier dysfunction: there is increased epidermal water loss which allows for the skin to become irritated easily
Neurogenic inflammation: the sensory nerves release mediators at the site of inflammation that results in vasodilation and loss of plasma proteins. Inflammatory cells are also recruited to the area. This mechanism is not well-understood.
Microbes: Demodex mites: part of normal skin but are found in abundance in patients with rosacea. Infestation is associated with infiltration of CD4+ helper cells H. pylori Staphylococcal organisms: is thought to play a role in the development of rosacea but not exactly clear about how.
Increases the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
Excess sebum production is part of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.
Which of factors below can worsen acne?
Increased androgen levels
Stress
Family history
All of the above
An example of a closed comedone lesion is a blackhead
True
False
(False)- it is an example of a whitehead.
What drugs can exacerbate acne?
corticosteriods, anticunvulsants, barbituates, androgenic steroids.
Is also known as cutibacterium acnes
Excess sebum production: sebum is skin oil
Blackheads are open pores that contain oxidized lipids.
True
False
All are characteristic of a basal cell carcinoma.
It is the second most common form of skin cancer.
Actinic keratosis is a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma.
True
False
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and involves cells in the stratum basale. These are slow-growing tumors that are locally invasive and rarely metastasize. Blood vessels in the near-by dermis can become dilated to deliver more nutrients as the tumor grows (see diagram below of a basal cell carcinoma). Basal cell carcinomas can also grow superficially as they spread several centimeters over the epidermis. They can also break down the basal membrane and enter the dermis forming islands or cords of tumor cells.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common cause of skin cancer which involves squamous keratinocytes. There is a precancerous lesion that can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. This is known as actinic keratosis where keratinocytes are damaged by radiation and begin to overproduce keratin. Over time, the damaged keratinocytes can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
The early stage of squamous cell carcinoma is also known as Bowen’s disease or squamous cell carcinoma in situ. At this point, the tumor can be found in the epidermis but has not yet broken through the basement membrane. The tumor cells are atypical, enlarged and over-pigmented. As squamous cell carcinoma becomes more invasive, it can break through the basement membrane and extend into the dermis and even the hypodermis. At this point, it is more likely to metastasize. Tumor cells at the advanced stages vary in their degree of maturity, have abnormal shapes and overproduce keratin to form pearls.
