A nursing student asks the nurse to differentiate the pathology of Alzheimer's disease from that of Parkinson's disease.
Which description is correct?
Parkinson's disease is characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine.
Parkinson disease involves increased dopamine production and decreased acetylcholine.
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by decreased amount of dopamine and degeneration of cholinergic neurons.
Alzheimer’s disease involves a possible excess of acetylcholine and neuritic plaques.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Parkinson's disease is characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine, primarily due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. This imbalance results in the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
Choice B rationale
Parkinson's disease involves decreased dopamine production, not increased. The disease is caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to reduced dopamine levels and an imbalance with acetylcholine.
Choice C rationale
Alzheimer's disease is not primarily characterized by a decrease in dopamine. Instead, it involves the degeneration of cholinergic neurons and a deficiency in acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and cognitive functions.
Choice D rationale
Alzheimer's disease is associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine rather than an excess. The disease is also characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which contribute to cognitive decline.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and fatigue of the skeletal muscles. Improvement of ptosis after administration of edrophonium (Tensilon), a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is a diagnostic indicator of myasthenia gravis.
Choice B rationale
Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is primarily caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain and does not exhibit rapid improvement with edrophonium.
Choice C rationale
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic illness involving the central nervous system, where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers. It does not respond to edrophonium as myasthenia gravis does.
Choice D rationale
Muscle spasm refers to an involuntary contraction of a muscle that can be sudden and painful. This condition is not typically diagnosed or treated with edrophonium, which is specific for myasthenia gravis. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medication that reduces secretions in the mouth, throat, and airways but is not typically used for bronchospasm associated with COPD.
Choice B rationale
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is commonly used to treat bronchospasm associated with COPD. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways to improve breathing.
Choice C rationale
Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat bradycardia and reduce secretions but is not indicated for bronchospasm associated with COPD.
Choice D rationale
Flavoxate is a urinary antispasmodic used to relieve symptoms of bladder spasms but has no role in the treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD.
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