Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Any condition that temporarily decreases blood flow to the brain can cause what to occur?

1. Alzheimer's disease

2. Parkinson's disease

3. Epilepsy

4. A transient ischemic attack (TIA)

The correct answer is: A transient ischemic attack (TIA)

The correct answer is a transient ischemic attack (TIA) because a TIA is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. This reduction in blood circulation can lead to symptoms such as sudden weakness, confusion, and difficulty speaking, which often resolve within a few minutes to a few hours. A TIA is often considered a warning sign for a potential future stroke, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing causes of reduced blood flow. Other conditions listed, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are progressive neurological disorders that typically have different underlying causes and are not primarily linked to transient changes in blood flow. Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures, which may have various triggers but are not directly caused by blood flow issues to the brain. Thus, the nature of a TIA aligns perfectly with the condition described in the question.