The nurse is teaching the family about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progression of the disease. The nurse would include which common late manifestations?
Generalized muscle weakness and severe muscle spasms.
Mental confusion and aggressive behaviors
Dysarthria and decreased clarity of spoken words
Impairment of respiratory muscles and cognition remains intact.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Generalized muscle weakness and severe muscle spasms are not late manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but rather early or intermediate symptoms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons that control voluntary muscles. The disease causes muscle weakness, stiffness, twitching, and cramps.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Mental confusion and aggressive behaviors are not common manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but rather signs of dementia or other psychiatric disorders. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis does not usually affect the cognitive or emotional functions of the brain, except in some rare cases.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Dysarthria and decreased clarity of spoken words are not late manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but rather intermediate or advanced symptoms. Dysarthria is a speech disorder that results from the weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in speech production. It causes slurred, slow, or distorted speech.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Impairment of respiratory muscles and cognition remains intact are common late manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As the disease progresses, the respiratory muscles become weak and unable to support breathing. This can lead to respiratory failure and death. However, the cognition of the patient usually remains intact until the end, as the disease does not affect the higher functions of the brain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Administering a dose of a prescribed antiepileptic drug is an appropriate intervention, but it should be done during the seizure, not after. Positioning the person supine is also not recommended, as it can compromise the airway and increase the risk of aspiration.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Wrapping the patient in warm blankets and hyperextending their neck are both harmful actions, as they can increase the body temperature and obstruct the airway. The patient should be kept cool and comfortable, and their head should be tilted to the side or supported with a pillow.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Offering the patient a crossword to work on to promote mental stimulation is not an essential intervention, and it may not be feasible or appropriate for a patient who has just experienced a prolonged seizure. The patient may need rest and observation, not cognitive tasks.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Establishing that the patient has a patent airway after the seizure ends and assessing for breathing are the most important interventions, as they ensure the oxygenation and ventilation of the patient. The nurse should also monitor the vital signs, neurological status, and blood glucose levels of the patient.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Maintaining a flat lying position for 14 hours following the procedure is the highest priority teaching point for the patient who had a lumbar puncture. It helps to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage and post-lumbar puncture headache, which can be severe and debilitating.
Choice B reason: Muscular discomfort is expected after being in a curled position for a period of time, but it is not the highest priority teaching point for the patient who had a lumbar puncture. It is a common and mild side effect that can be relieved by analgesics, massage, or heat therapy.
Choice C reason: Resuming oral intake immediately after the procedure is not a priority teaching point for the patient who had a lumbar puncture. It is not contraindicated, but it is not essential either. The patient should drink plenty of fluids to replenish the cerebrospinal fluid and prevent dehydration.
Choice D reason: Mild pain is expected at the needle insertion site, but it is not the highest priority teaching point for the patient who had a lumbar puncture. It is a common and mild side effect that can be relieved by analgesics, ice packs, or dressing.
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