Neurological: RCSI aptitude test practice questions
About this topic
Neurological on the RCSI theory paper
Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil checks, neurovascular assessment, head injury and neurological observations.
20 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation and the document it was checked against. Three questions are free; the pass opens the other 17 and every other topic. Wrong answers come back first the next time you practise, and a question counts as mastered after two correct answers in a row.
Sample questions from this topic
Question 1
A patient opens eyes to sound, is confused, and localises to pressure. What is the GCS?
- AE4 V5 M6 = 15
- BE3 V3 M3 = 9
- CE3 V4 M5 = 12
- DE2 V3 M4 = 9
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Answer: C. Eyes to sound scores 3 (spontaneous 4, to pressure 2, none 1). Confused conversation scores V4 (orientated 5, words 3, sounds 2, none 1). Localising to a painful stimulus scores M5 (obeys 6, normal flexion 4, abnormal flexion 3, extension 2, none 1). Total 12.
Question 2
Which professionals make up the specialist stroke unit rehabilitation team, according to the Irish Heart Foundation?
- APharmacists, porters, phlebotomists and ward clerks
- BStroke doctors, nurses, physio, SLT, OT and dietitian
- CGPs and public health nurses
- DNeurosurgeons, anaesthetists and intensive care nurses only
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Answer: B. Irish Heart Foundation: the specialist stroke unit team includes stroke doctors and nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and dietitians, with social work and psychology input.
Source: Irish Heart Foundation: Stroke
Question 3
Which emotional problems does the HSE say commonly follow stroke, and what should happen before discharge?
- ANo mood change; stroke is a physical illness only
- BEuphoria; no assessment is needed before discharge
- CMania; sedation before discharge
- DDepression and anxiety; mood assessment before discharge
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Answer: D. HSE: depression and anxiety are two of the common problems after a stroke. Before leaving hospital the patient should have an assessment of their mood, so the team can put a plan in place for any emotional problems picked up; some patients need antidepressants for a period.
Source: HSE: Recovering from a stroke
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