IDA Nervous System

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the nervous system regarding infections?

• Brain has no indigenous flora

• CNS and PNS lacks normal biota

• Has abundant normal flora

• Exhibits immune privilege

The cerebrospinal fluid is found in which space?

• Epidural space

• Subdural space

• Subarachnoid space

• Intraventricular space

Which of the following is the outermost layer of the meninges?

• Pia mater

• Arachnoid mater

• Dura mater

• Choroid plexus

The blood-brain barrier functions to:

• Increase permeability of blood vessels

• Prohibit microbes from passing through CNS

• Allow free passage of all substances

• Increase immune response

Which cells in the brain exhibit phagocytic activity?

• Neurons and astrocytes

• Oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells

• Microglial cells and brain macrophages

• Schwann cells and satellite cells

Encephalitis is defined as:

• Inflammation of the meninges

• Inflammation of the brain parenchyma

• Inflammation of the spinal cord

• Inflammation of peripheral nerves

Meningitis specifically involves inflammation of:

• Brain parenchyma

• Spinal cord

• Leptomeninges (pia and arachnoid mater)

• Dura mater only

Which sign is characterized by knee pain when the leg is extended?

• Brudzinski's sign

• Kernig's sign

• Babinski's sign

• Romberg's sign

Brudzinski's sign is positive when there is:

• Knee pain on extension

• Nape pain when neck is flexed

• Plantar reflex abnormality

• Loss of balance

The most appropriate initial diagnostic test for suspected bacterial meningitis is:

• CT scan

• MRI

• Lumbar puncture

• Blood culture only