A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis and is being evaluated for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as manifestations of this condition?
(Select All that Apply.)
Memory loss
Clumsiness
Tardive dyskinesia
Seizures
Vision difficulty
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A Reason:
Memory loss is correct. Memory loss can occur in individuals with PML due to damage to the white matter of the brain caused by the JC virus infection. This damage can affect cognitive function, including memory.
Choice B Reason:
Clumsiness is correct. Clumsiness or lack of coordination is a common neurological symptom of PML. It can result from damage to areas of the brain responsible for motor function and coordination.
Choice C Reason:
Tardive dyskinesia is incorrect. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, often involving the face, lips, tongue, and limbs. While tardive dyskinesia can occur as a side effect of certain medications, it is not typically associated with PML.
Choice D Reason:
Seizures is correct. Seizures can occur in individuals with PML due to the involvement of the brain's white matter by the JC virus infection. Seizures may present as sudden, uncontrolled movements, altered consciousness, or other neurological symptoms.
Choice E Reason:
Vision difficulty is correct. Vision difficulties, including blurred vision, visual field deficits, and other visual disturbances, are common manifestations of PML. Damage to the optic nerves or areas of the brain involved in visual processing can result in vision difficulties.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Depression is incorrect. While depression can contribute to headaches in some individuals, it is more commonly associated with migraine headaches rather than tension-type headaches or cluster headaches. People with depression may experience changes in neurotransmitter levels and alterations in pain perception, which can exacerbate migraines. However, tension-type headaches and cluster headaches are generally less strongly associated with depression as a precipitating factor compared to migraines.
Choice B Reason:
Smoking is incorrect. Smoking can be a trigger for headaches in some individuals, particularly migraines, due to the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine and other compounds in tobacco smoke. However, smoking is not universally recognized as a common precipitating factor for tension-type headaches or cluster headaches. While individuals with cluster headaches may have higher rates of smoking compared to the general population, it is not a factor commonly shared with tension-type headaches.
Choice C Reason:
Poor posture is incorrect. Poor posture can contribute to muscle tension and cervical spine strain, which may trigger tension-type headaches. However, poor posture is not typically considered a precipitating factor specific to cluster headaches. While tension-type headaches may be exacerbated by poor posture, cluster headaches are characterized by severe, unilateral pain typically centered around the eye or temple, with associated autonomic symptoms such as tearing, nasal congestion, or ptosis.
Choice D Reason:
Stress is correct. Stress is a well-established precipitating factor for both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches. Stress can lead to muscle tension and contraction, which are common triggers for tension-type headaches. Additionally, stress can also contribute to the onset or worsening of cluster headaches, although the exact mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. Therefore, stress is a common precipitating factor for both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension is correct. This is a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of stroke. Treating and controlling hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce the risk of stroke.
Choice B Reason:
Client's age is incorrect. While age itself is not modifiable, age is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke. Risk of stroke increases with age, particularly in individuals over 55 years old. However, other modifiable risk factors can be addressed to reduce overall risk.
Choice C Reason:
History of sickle cell disease is incorrect. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells. While sickle cell disease increases the risk of certain complications, such as stroke in children, it is not a modifiable risk factor in the traditional sense.
Choice D Reason:
Parent who has cardiovascular disease is incorrect. While having a parent with cardiovascular disease may indicate a genetic predisposition to certain risk factors, it is not a direct modifiable risk factor for stroke. However, individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease may have increased awareness and motivation to address modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and diabetes.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today