WorksheetsOverview and Functional Divisions of the Nervous System
Total questions: 75
Worksheet time: 38mins
Which statement best describes the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Includes brain and spinal cord; processes and sends signals controlling body functions
Includes cranial and spinal nerves only; carries information to and from the CNS
Controls only voluntary movement
Primarily regulates digestion and heart rate automatically
Which structures are included in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?
Cranial nerves
Spinal nerves
Brain and spinal cord
Organs and glands
Limbs and skin
Which statement about CNS and PNS interaction is most accurate?
They operate independently for most functions.
They must cooperate at all times to ensure normal body function.
The CNS only receives information but never sends signals to the PNS.
The PNS only controls automatic functions.
Afferent (sensory) pathways are best remembered by which mnemonic and direction?
Efferent = Exits the CNS; impulses to periphery
Afferent = Arrives at the CNS; impulses from periphery to CNS
Afferent = Away from CNS; impulses to muscles
Efferent = Enters the CNS; impulses from receptors
Touching a hot stove sends a signal to the brain via which division?
Afferent (sensory)
Efferent (motor)
Autonomic
Parasympathetic
Which description defines the efferent (motor) division?
Transmits impulses from peripheral organs to the CNS causing sensation
Transmits impulses from the CNS to peripheral organs causing an effect or action
Controls involuntary functions like heart rate exclusively
Connects only to skeletal muscle reflexes
After touching a hot stove, pulling your hand away is mediated by which division?
Afferent (sensory)
Efferent (motor)
Somatic sensory
Cerebral cortex only
Which body functions are primarily controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Heart rate
Breathing (respirations)
Voluntary limb movement
Digestion
Which changes are typical of Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) activation?
Increased heart rate
Decreased digestion
Decreased blood pressure
Increased respirations
Being startled or angry most directly triggers which system?
Parasympathetic nervous system
Central nervous system
Somatic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
Which statement characterizes the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) within the ANS?
Activated in stress; prepares for fight or flight
Increases blood pressure and respirations
Activated during relaxation; promotes digestion and calm
Causes muscle wasting
During parasympathetic dominance, which physiological changes occur?
Heart rate decreases
Blood pressure decreases
Respirations decrease
Digestion is inhibited
Which sequence correctly outlines the reflex arc pathway?
Stimulus → Motor neuron → Sensory neuron → Reflex muscle movement
Stimulus → Sensory neuron → Motor neuron → Reflex muscle movement
Receptor → Brain cortex → Spinal cord → Effector muscle
Stimulus → Interneuron only → Reflex muscle movement
A tap on the patellar tendon causing an involuntary leg kick exemplifies what?
Voluntary motor planning
Reflex arc at work
Parasympathetic activation
Conscious sensory integration
Match each neurological term to its definition.
Ataxia
Atrophy
Hemiplegia
Dysphasia
Diplopia
Which term best describes paralysis of one side of the body (arm and leg)?
Ataxia
Atrophy
Hemiplegia
Dysphasia
Which brain structure is the largest part of the brain and controls voluntary muscle movement, speech, emotions, and learning?
Cerebellum
Cerebrum
Brainstem
Hypothalamus
Damage to the cerebrum most directly risks which outcome?
Ataxia (unsteady gait)
Respiratory failure
Aphasia or paralysis on one side
Temperature regulation failure
Where is the cerebellum located?
Front of the brain, above the brainstem
Back of the head, beneath the cerebrum
Deep center, near the hypothalamus
Within the spinal cord
Which functions are primarily controlled by the cerebellum? Select all that apply.
Balance (walking, standing)
Coordination of movement
Speech and thought
Heart rate
The brainstem connects the brain to the spinal cord and includes which parts?
Pons
Medulla oblongata
Thalamus
Cerebral cortex
Injury to which structure can be immediately life‑threatening due to effects on breathing and vital signs?
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Brainstem
Hypothalamus
Which set lists only vital life functions controlled by the brainstem?
Respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing
Speech, emotions, memory, learning
Balance, coordination, posture
Temperature control, thirst, homeostasis
The hypothalamus is best described as a small but powerful gland that primarily regulates which of the following? Select all that apply.
Body temperature
Blood pressure
Thirst
Voluntary movement
Failure to regulate body temperature due to hypothalamic injury can result in which conditions?
Hypothermia or hyperthermia
Ataxia
Aphasia
Seizures only
Which disorder is a progressive demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that affects movement and coordination?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson’s disease
ALS
Seizure disorder
In which disorder do patients lose motor function while mental function remains intact, often feeling “trapped” in their bodies?
Seizure disorder
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
TIA
Parkinson’s disease
Decreased dopamine leading to tremors, rigidity, and slow movement characterizes which disease?
ALS
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
A stroke (CVA) is defined as which event?
Temporary loss of blood flow to the brain
Sudden abnormal electrical brain activity
Loss of blood flow to part of the brain causing cell death
Nerve degeneration with intact cognition
Which statement correctly distinguishes ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke?
Ischemic is bleeding into brain; hemorrhagic is blockage
Ischemic is blockage (lack of oxygen); hemorrhagic is bleeding
Both involve temporary loss of blood flow only
Neither requires immediate intervention
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) requires getting the patient to the cath lab within approximately how long to restore blood flow?
30 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
120 minutes
“Time = Tissue” emphasizes what key action in emergencies like stroke and STEMI?
Delay imaging to avoid radiation
Fast response to save cells by restoring perfusion
Treat pain first, then circulation
Observe for 24 hours before intervention
During any emergency assessment, what does A–B–C stand for?
Alertness, Blood sugar, Capillary refill
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Assessment, Baseline, Care plan
Arterial blood gas, Breaths, Chest compressions
Which statement best reflects the integration concept for prioritizing care?
Treat limb injuries before airway issues to preserve mobility
The heart, lungs, and brain function independently
Prioritize life over limb; airway and breathing take precedence
Focus on neurological exam before circulation
Match each brain area to a typical damage effect based on the quick review table.
Cerebrum → Aphasia/paralysis
Cerebellum → Ataxia/unsteady gait
Brainstem → Respiratory failure/coma
Hypothalamus → Temperature regulation failure
Which pairing of brain area and primary function is accurate?
Cerebellum — speech and thought
Hypothalamus — temperature and blood pressure control
Cerebrum — heart rate and respiration
Brainstem — balance and coordination
Which vital functions are jointly controlled by the pons and medulla oblongata? Select all that apply.
Respiration
Heart rate
Visual acuity
Blood pressure
Facial expression
A brainstem stroke damaging the medulla most directly threatens which immediate priority?
Renal perfusion
Airway protection and breathing
Long-term memory
Fine motor coordination
Which outcome is commonly associated with severe brainstem strokes due to involvement of vital life functions?
Typically excellent
Typically poor
Variable but often full recovery
Always fatal
Which nursing action aligns with ABCs when caring for a patient with suspected brainstem injury?
Encourage early ambulation
Assess airway, breathing, and circulation first
Begin cognitive screening first
Restrict oral fluids immediately
Impaired swallowing after a brainstem stroke increases the risk of which complication?
Pulmonary embolism
Aspiration
Hyperglycemia
Renal failure
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for smell, and what is a key assessment?
I Olfactory — identify scents
II Optic — visual acuity
VIII Vestibulocochlear — hearing test
XII Hypoglossal — stick out tongue
Which cranial nerve controls visual acuity?
II Optic
III Oculomotor
IV Trochlear
VI Abducens
Which cranial nerve is assessed by checking PERRLA (pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation)?
III Oculomotor
V Trigeminal
VII Facial
XI Accessory (Spinal)
Following a finger laterally primarily tests which cranial nerve?
IV Trochlear
VI Abducens
VIII Vestibulocochlear
X Vagus
Touch sensation on the face and jaw strength evaluate which cranial nerve?
V Trigeminal
VII Facial
IX Glossopharyngeal
XII Hypoglossal
Smile, frown, and raise eyebrows are key assessments for which cranial nerve?
VII Facial
XI Accessory (Spinal)
VIII Vestibulocochlear
I Olfactory
Voice, swallowing, heart rate, and digestion are associated with which cranial nerve?
IX Glossopharyngeal
X Vagus
XI Accessory (Spinal)
XII Hypoglossal
Which structures make up the Central Nervous System (CNS)?
Brain and spinal cord
Brain and peripheral nerves
Spinal cord and autonomic nerves
Cranial nerves and spinal nerves
Which safety practice is specifically recommended to protect the CNS during biking, skating, and sports?
Use of knee braces
Wearing helmets
Using elbow pads only
Avoiding outdoor activities
Seatbelts primarily help prevent fatal outcomes in which scenario related to CNS protection?
Motor vehicle accidents
Swimming
Rock climbing
Skiing
Which items are listed as workplace personal protective equipment (PPE) relevant to CNS protection? Select all that apply.
Hard hats
Steel-toed boots
Goggles
Earplugs
Which is identified as a common CNS injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sprained ankle
Tendonitis
Diving accidents are commonly associated with which specific type of injury mentioned for young adults during spring break?
Lumbar disc herniation
Cervical spine injury
Concussion only
Pelvic fracture
Falls in older adults commonly lead to which outcome related to the CNS?
Head trauma
Wrist sprain
Ankle fracture
Lung contusion
What does anoxia mean?
Excess carbon dioxide in tissues
Absence of oxygen to tissues
Low blood sugar
High blood pressure
Which is the correct sequence of the ABCs of CPR?
Breathing, Airway, Circulation
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
Circulation, Airway, Breathing
Airway, Circulation, Breathing
During CPR, where should you check the pulse in an adult?
Radial artery
Carotid artery
Femoral artery
Brachial artery
Which initial actions are specified once CPR is started? Select all that apply.
Open the airway
Give 2 breaths
Begin chest compressions
Call for advanced life support only
A decrease in which neurotransmitter is noted in Alzheimer’s disease?
Serotonin
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Epinephrine
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Decreased dopamine
Increased serotonin
Decreased norepinephrine
Increased acetylcholine
Which statement about norepinephrine (noradrenaline) is accurate?
It is used in EpiPen.
It works with the sympathetic nervous system.
It primarily regulates mood and sleep.
It is decreased in Parkinson’s disease.
Runner’s high is most directly linked to a surge of which chemicals?
Serotonin and acetylcholine
Dopamine and endorphins
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
Glutamate and GABA
Which neurotransmitter is commonly decreased in depression according to the material?
Serotonin
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Epinephrine
Epinephrine is correctly linked with which clinical use?
Treatment for depression
Used in EpiPen
Antipsychotic medication
Muscle relaxant
An older adult reports feeling cold easily. Which age-related change is most consistent with this complaint?
Decreased homeostasis
Decreased pupil size
Decreased temperature regulation
Decreased cerebral blood flow
Which manifestations are commonly associated with decreased dopamine in aging? Select all that apply.
Tremors
Slowed movement
Forgetfulness
Increased light adaptation
What is the expected effect of decreased reflexes in aging?
Improved balance
Increased falls and injuries
Faster responses
Reduced dizziness
Which activity best represents cognitive stimulation to help keep the brain active?
Watching television passively
Sudoku and puzzles
Skipping meals
Avoiding technology use
During a focused neuro assessment, which element assesses orientation?
Asking the patient to lift an arm
Checking PERRLA
Asking person, place, time, and situation
Testing grip strength
Which list correctly names common levels of consciousness (LOC) used in a neuro assessment?
Alert, euphoric, manic, unresponsive
Alert, drowsy, stuporous, unresponsive
Asleep, awake, excited, confused
Lucid, delirious, comatose, anxious
Which safety measure specifically targets prevention of drowning?
Use age-appropriate car seats
Wear helmets
Teach swimming and constant supervision
Use gloves with chemicals
Which recreational drugs are noted to damage nasal passages and brain vessels, highlighting a prevention priority?
Cannabis and LSD
Cocaine and meth
Heroin and fentanyl
Alcohol and nicotine
Match each neurologic disorder category with a representative example.
Huntington’s disease is Genetic/Developmental
Head injuries are Traumatic
Meningitis is Infectious
ALS is Degenerative
Which disorders are classified as neuromuscular in the provided scheme? Select all that apply.
ALS
Myasthenia gravis
Bell’s palsy
Parkinson’s disease
