The nurse admits a client with sepsis and has developed cool ecchymotic fingertips and toes. The healthcare provider determines that the client has developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which findings support the pathophysiology of DIC?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Understanding the pathophysiological process of ALS is crucial for providing accurate information about the disease prognosis to the client. Here's why option B is the correct choice:

A) It occurs as a complication of a spinal cord injury:

This statement is incorrect. ALS is not a complication of a spinal cord injury. While both conditions involve motor neuron dysfunction, they have different etiologies and pathophysiological processes. ALS is characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy, whereas spinal cord injury results from trauma to the spinal cord.

B) Muscle weakness is progressive, degenerative, and fatal:

Correct. ALS is characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual paralysis. The disease is relentless and fatal, typically within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis, although survival can vary widely among individuals. As motor neurons degenerate, voluntary muscle control is lost, eventually affecting the ability to speak, swallow, breathe, and move. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in ALS patients.

C) Mental status changes occur late in the disease:

While cognitive and behavioral changes can occur in some individuals with ALS, particularly in the later stages of the disease, they are not universal. ALS primarily affects motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. However, some individuals may experience frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a type of cognitive impairment characterized by changes in behavior, personality, and language.

D) Autonomic nervous system and sensory changes occur:

ALS primarily affects motor neurons rather than sensory neurons or the autonomic nervous system. Sensory symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation are not typical features of ALS. Autonomic dysfunction, including changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or bowel and bladder function, is not a prominent feature of ALS.

A. Chronic kidney disease:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), but it typically develops over time due to long-standing hyperglycemia and its effects on the kidneys. While CKD can lead to various complications such as electrolyte imbalances and cardiovascular disease, it is not directly associated with the development of gangrenous toes.

B. Diabetic retinopathy:

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, specifically the retina. It results from damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged hyperglycemia. While diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision impairment and blindness if left untreated, it is not directly associated with the development of gangrenous toes.

C. Peripheral neuropathy:

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that results from damage to the peripheral nerves due to prolonged hyperglycemia. It can lead to sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve dysfunction. Peripheral neuropathy contributes to the development of complications such as diabetic foot ulcers and Charcot arthropathy, which can ultimately lead to gangrene if not properly managed.

D. Hypertension:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common comorbidity in individuals with diabetes mellitus. While hypertension can exacerbate complications such as diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular disease, it is not directly associated with the development of gangrenous toes.