The nurse is caring for a client who was recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Which of the following signs and symptoms is MOST important for the nurse to assess for?

Inability to void

Unable to eat without thickening meals

Loss of function in the lower extremity

Difficulty breathing

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Inability to void:
While urinary retention or difficulties with voiding can occur in ALS patients due to weakened muscles affecting the bladder, it is not the most immediate or life-threatening symptom that requires urgent attention. ALS primarily affects motor neurons and the voluntary muscles, and while autonomic dysfunction can lead to bladder or bowel issues, these are typically not the first concern in the acute phase of ALS unless they are severe.

B) Unable to eat without thickening meals:
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common symptom in ALS, especially as the disease progresses and affects the muscles of the throat. While this symptom is important to address, it is manageable with interventions like speech therapy, modified diets, and thickened liquids

C) Loss of function in the lower extremity:
Loss of function in the lower extremities is a hallmark symptom of ALS as the disease progresses, but it is not an acute or life-threatening situation on its own. ALS leads to gradual muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly affecting voluntary motor functions.

D) Difficulty breathing:
As ALS progresses, respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, weaken, which can lead to respiratory failure. The inability to breathe adequately can be life-threatening and may require interventions like mechanical ventilation, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP), or even a tracheostomy.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Obtain blood specimen for a BMP test:
Although obtaining laboratory tests like a BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel) can be important in evaluating the client’s electrolyte balance and kidney function, it is not the priority intervention in this acute situation. The client is exhibiting a potentially dangerous rhythm and the immediate intervention to stabilize the rhythm is necessary before ordering lab tests.

B) Prepare for synchronized cardioversion:
The priority intervention for a client exhibiting this cardiac rhythm with accompanying signs of hemodynamic instability (low blood pressure, tachycardia, respiratory distress) is synchronized cardioversion. This is especially the case if the rhythm is atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Synchronized cardioversion is indicated when the patient is symptomatic and hemodynamically unstable.

C) Start CPR:
While starting CPR is critical for a patient who is unresponsive and in a pulseless rhythm (such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole), this client is still responsive with a pulse of 130 bpm. Although the client is in a high-risk rhythm with signs of hemodynamic instability, CPR is not indicated at this moment because the client is not in cardiac arrest.

D) Prepare for defibrillation:
Defibrillation is indicated for life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. In this case, the client has a pulse, indicating that defibrillation is not appropriate.

A. Unilateral facial drooping B. Unilateral arm weakness C. Alopecia D. Difficulty swallowing E. Inability to close the affected eye

Correct Answer is ["A"]

Explanation

A) Unilateral facial drooping:
Unilateral facial drooping is the hallmark sign of Bell's palsy, a condition that results from inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This inflammation causes muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, leading to drooping of the mouth, eyelid, and other facial features on the affected side. The facial drooping may worsen with smiling, closing the eyes, or other facial expressions, making this a key finding in Bell’s palsy.

B) Unilateral arm weakness:
Unilateral arm weakness is not typically associated with Bell's palsy, which specifically affects the facial muscles due to nerve damage. While weakness can occur in other parts of the body due to neurological conditions, it is not a characteristic symptom of Bell’s palsy, which is primarily a cranial nerve issue. Therefore, arm weakness would prompt consideration of other potential neurological causes.

C) Alopecia:
Alopecia, or hair loss, is not a common symptom of Bell's palsy. Although it can be seen in many different conditions, it is not typically linked with Bell's palsy, which is a disorder of the facial nerve. Bell’s palsy affects facial muscles, leading to symptoms like drooping or inability to close the eye, but it does not directly cause hair loss.

D) Difficulty swallowing:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can occur in Bell's palsy, especially if the facial nerve affects the ability to control the muscles involved in swallowing. This may lead to difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking clearly. While not always severe, dysphagia is a potential complication due to the involvement of the facial nerve, which controls facial muscles essential for these functions.

E) Inability to close the affected eye:
The inability to close the affected eye is a common symptom of Bell's palsy due to paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is controlled by the facial nerve. This can lead to dryness or irritation of the eye and a risk for corneal damage if the eye is not properly closed or protected. This inability to close the eye is one of the hallmark features of Bell's palsy.

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The nurse is caring for a client who was recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Which of the following signs and symptoms is MOST important for the nurse to assess for?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has been recently diagnosed with Bell's palsy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? [Select all that apply.]

Correct Answer is ["A"]

Explanation

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