Question

Alanna appears overwhelmed with all the information the neurologist discussed with her. She tells the nurse, "I don't understand why the neurologist is ordering an MRI."

Which statement by the nurse is the best response?


a) "The test will rule out many possible causes of seizures."
b) "An MRI can help determine the focal origin of the seizure."
c) "This test will identify elevated protein levels in the brain."
d) "It will confirm the seizure diagnosis and localize the lesion."

Answer 1

The best nurse's response to why the neurologist ordered an MRI for Alanna, who is experiencing seizures, would be to explain that the MRI can rule out many possible causes of seizures. It is a broad and accurate statement that encompasses the diagnostic capabilities of the MRI.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Alanna appears overwhelmed with the information from the neurologist about her seizure, the best response by the nurse to explain the rationale for ordering an MRI would be: "The test will rule out many possible causes of seizures." This response is comprehensive and addresses the utility of MRI in both confirming a seizure diagnosis and investigating for possible underlying causes.

An MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool in neurology. Unlike a CT scan, which is typically used to identify acute conditions like bleeding or major structural abnormalities, an MRI provides a more detailed view of the brain's structure. This can help in identifying lesions, such as tumors or areas of sclerosis, which can be responsible for seizures. While an MRI can sometimes aid in locating the focal origin of a seizure, it does not directly measure brain activity or detect protein levels in the brain as some of the other options suggest. Therefore, the most accurate and helpful statement is one that encompasses the broad diagnostic capabilities of an MRI in the context of seizure assessment.