The nurse is educating the family about anticipated changes during the late stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for their father. What teaching point is most important for the nurse to include?

The person's cognitive and mental capacity will most likely remain intact throughout the disease progression.

The person's ability to swallow will remain intact throughout the disease.

The person's risk for seizures increases with progression of the disease.

The person's breathing will not be affected by the disease.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons, which control the voluntary muscles. It does not affect the cognitive or mental functions, such as memory, reasoning, or emotions. Therefore, the person with ALS will be aware of their condition and their surroundings, even when they lose their ability to move, speak, or breathe.

Choice B reason: ALS affects the muscles of the mouth, throat, and chest, which are involved in swallowing. As the disease progresses, the person with ALS will have difficulty swallowing food, liquids, and saliva. This can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, choking, and aspiration pneumonia.

Choice C reason: ALS does not directly cause seizures, which are abnormal electrical activity in the brain. However, some medications used to treat the symptoms of ALS, such as muscle relaxants, may increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, the person with ALS should be monitored for any signs of seizures, such as loss of consciousness, convulsions, or confusion.

Choice D reason: ALS affects the muscles of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles, which are involved in breathing. As the disease progresses, the person with ALS will have difficulty breathing, especially at night or when lying down. This can lead to respiratory failure, which is the most common cause of death in ALS. Therefore, the person with ALS may need mechanical ventilation or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation to support their breathing.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Patient should increase daily iron supplements, is a statement that indicates a need for additional teaching. Iron supplements are not recommended for patients with beta-thalassemia, because they already have high levels of iron in their blood due to the frequent blood transfusions. Excess iron can cause damage to the liver, heart, and other organs. Therefore, the patient should avoid iron supplements and foods rich in iron, and take chelation therapy to remove the excess iron from the body.

Choice B reason: Signs and symptoms of infection, is a statement that does not indicate a need for additional teaching. Patients with beta-thalassemia are at risk of developing infections, due to the impaired immune system and the exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Therefore, the patient should be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or skin lesions, and seek medical attention promptly.

Choice C reason: Our child will need to have blood transfusions, is a statement that does not indicate a need for additional teaching. Blood transfusions are the main treatment for patients with beta-thalassemia, because they help to increase the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells, and prevent anemia and its complications. Therefore, the patient should receive regular blood transfusions, usually every two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.

Choice D reason: Swimming is a good activity for our child, is a statement that does not indicate a need for additional teaching. Swimming is a good activity for patients with beta-thalassemia, because it helps to improve the cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and joint mobility, and reduce the stress and fatigue. Therefore, the patient should engage in moderate physical activities, such as swimming, walking, or cycling, as tolerated, and avoid strenuous or competitive sports that can cause injury or dehydration.

A. Relax in a hot bath before bedtime. B. Perform deep breathing exercises every two hours. C. Schedule short periods of rest throughout the day. D. Include daily multivitamins in your diet.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Relaxing in a hot bath before bedtime is not the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Heat can worsen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as muscle weakness, numbness, and vision problems. Therefore, the patient should avoid hot baths, showers, or saunas, and use cool compresses or fans to lower their body temperature.

Choice B reason: Performing deep breathing exercises every two hours is not the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, but it does not address the underlying causes of fatigue, such as inflammation, nerve damage, or sleep problems. Therefore, the patient should consult their doctor for appropriate treatment options and medication adjustments.

Choice C reason: Scheduling short periods of rest throughout the day is the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis, which can affect the patient's daily activities and quality of life. Therefore, the patient should plan their tasks according to their energy level, prioritize the most important ones, and take frequent breaks to conserve their energy and prevent exhaustion.

Choice D reason: Including daily multivitamins in your diet is not the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Multivitamins can provide some nutritional benefits, but they are not a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet. Therefore, the patient should eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, and avoid processed, fried, or sugary foods that can increase inflammation and fatigue.

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The nurse is educating the family about anticipated changes during the late stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for their father. What teaching point is most important for the nurse to include?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When teaching the parents and patients newly diagnosed with beta-thalassemia, which statement made by the parents or patients indicates a need for additional teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The home health nurse visits a patient with multiple sclerosis who complains of severe fatigue. Select the nurse's best suggestion to help decrease their symptom of fatigue.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is explaining early changes with Parkinson disease to the student nurse. Which statement by the nurse is correct regarding the pathophysiology of the disease?

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