A patient reports weakness of the extremities and diplopia. The nurse knows that these symptoms are characteristic of which condition?
Myasthenia gravis (MG)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Cerebral palsy (CP)
Parkinson disease (PD)
The Correct Answer is A
A) Myasthenia gravis (MG):
Weakness of the extremities and diplopia (double vision) are hallmark symptoms of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction. In MG, antibodies attack acetylcholine receptors, leading to muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The weakness typically affects voluntary muscles, including those responsible for eye movement, which leads to symptoms such as diplopia and ptosis (drooping eyelids).
B) Multiple sclerosis (MS):
Multiple sclerosis involves the demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms. While MS can cause weakness and visual disturbances, the typical symptoms of MS include fatigue, muscle spasticity, ataxia, and sensory deficits. Diplopia can occur in MS but is usually accompanied by other neurological signs such as numbness, tingling, or loss of coordination.
C) Cerebral palsy (CP):
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture due to non-progressive brain injury or abnormal brain development, often occurring in early childhood. While CP can cause muscle weakness and coordination issues, it does not typically present with diplopia. Instead, it often involves spasticity, motor impairment, and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
D) Parkinson disease (PD):
Parkinson disease is characterized by tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability. While PD can lead to muscle weakness and visual issues like blurred vision, it is not typically associated with diplopia as a primary symptom. The hallmark motor symptoms are primarily related to tremor and difficulty initiating movements rather than generalized weakness and double vision.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor primarily used in cases of shock to increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. However, it does not have a vasodilatory effect on renal blood vessels. Instead, it tends to decrease renal perfusion due to its strong vasoconstrictor properties, which could worsen renal insufficiency.
B) Dopamine: Dopamine is a catecholamine that has a dose-dependent effect on various receptors. At low doses, dopamine specifically acts on dopaminergic receptors in the kidneys, leading to vasodilation of renal blood vessels, which can improve renal perfusion. This makes it particularly useful in treating shock when there is concern about renal insufficiency or reduced kidney function.
C) Acetylcholine: Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, not a catecholamine. It is involved in promoting various physiological effects such as slowing the heart rate and stimulating digestive processes, but it does not have a specific role in vasodilation of renal blood vessels or shock management.
D) Enkephalin: Enkephalins are endogenous peptides involved in the regulation of pain and stress responses. They do not have a direct effect on vasodilation of renal blood vessels. Enkephalins are not typically used to treat shock or manage renal insufficiency.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Tacrine (Cognex): Tacrine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to improve cognitive function. It is not typically used for Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, shuffling gait, and rigidity.
B) Rivastigmine (Exelon): Rivastigmine is another acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, similar to Tacrine, primarily used to treat Alzheimer's disease or dementia-related symptoms. While it helps with cognitive symptoms, it is not effective in treating the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
C) Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet): This is the correct answer. Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is the gold standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, which helps address the dopamine deficiency in the brain that causes symptoms like tremors, shuffling gait, and lack of facial expression (masked facies). Carbidopa is added to prevent levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain, enhancing its effectiveness.
D) Donepezil (Aricept): Donepezil is also an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used primarily in Alzheimer's disease. Like Tacrine and Rivastigmine, it works to improve cognitive function but does not treat the motor symptoms seen in Parkinson's disease. It would not be appropriate for managing the patient's Parkinsonian symptoms.
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