The nurse is educating the family of a patient in the late stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which information is most important for the nurse to include?
Cognitive and mental capacities will most likely remain intact throughout the disease progression.
Ability to swallow will remain intact.
Breathing should not be affected by the disease.
Ability to move the upper limbs may be affected.
The Correct Answer is A
A. ALS primarily affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, but cognitive and mental functions usually remain intact. This is important for family understanding and care planning.
B. The ability to swallow is often impaired in late stages due to muscle weakness.
C. Breathing is affected as respiratory muscles weaken, which is a critical concern in ALS progression.
D. Both upper and lower limb movements are typically affected as the disease advances, but cognitive status is a key point to clarify with families.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Gentamicinis typically administered intravenously, not orally, for serious infections like meningitis due to poor oral absorption.
B. Encouraging 3,000 mL of fluidis excessive and inappropriate for a 10-month-old, risking fluid overload.
C. Wearing a maskis an essential infection control measure when caring for an infant with bacterial meningitis, especially meningococcal meningitis, which can be highly contagious and transmitted via respiratory droplets.
D. Forcing neck flexion can cause severe painand is contraindicatedin meningitis, where neck stiffness is a hallmark symptom.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A.Postural hypotension is more commonly associated with autonomic dysfunction (e.g., in Parkinson’s disease or dehydration) and is not a hallmark sign of myasthenia gravis.
B.Diplopia (double vision) is a classic symptom of myasthenia gravis. The disease causes weakness of voluntary muscles, especially those that control eye and eyelid movement, leading to visual disturbances.
C.Dizziness with sudden head movement is often linked to vestibular dysfunction (e.g., benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), not myasthenia gravis.
D.Hand tremors during voluntary movement are more suggestive of cerebellar disorders or essential tremor, not myasthenia gravis, which primarily causes muscle weakness without tremors.
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