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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Cerebral palsy (CP) varies widely in severity; not all individuals experience many disabilities.
B. CP is typically caused by decreased oxygen to the brain (hypoxia), not too much oxygen.
C. CP is a non-progressive neurological disorder, meaning the brain injury does not worsen over time, although symptoms may change.
D. CP is usually caused by brain injury before or during birth and is not typically inherited or familial.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A single seizure does not automatically indicate epilepsy. Epilepsy is typically diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures, and other causes (e.g., fever, head trauma, infection, drug use) must first be ruled out.
B. This implies a diagnosis without proper evaluation and is misleading.
C. Antispasmodics are not the standard treatment, and medication should not be prescribed without diagnostic evaluation.
D. Not all seizures are epilepsy—seizures can result from various acute and reversible conditions.
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