What best defines Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS "Lou Gehrig Disease?"
Loss of motor neurons in the brain
Loss of sensory neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord
Loss of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and loss of motor nuclei of the lower brainstem
All of the above
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Loss of motor neurons in the brain is not a complete definition of ALS, as it does not include the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem.
Choice B: Loss of sensory neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord is not a correct definition of ALS, as it involves sensory neurons, not motor neurons.
Choice C: Loss of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and loss of motor nuclei of the lower brainstem is a correct definition of ALS, as it describes the progressive degeneration and death of both upper and lower motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movements²⁴.
Choice D: All of the above is not correct, as only choice C is a correct definition of ALS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Unconsciousness, unarousable unresponsiveness is not a description of persistent vegetative state, but rather a description of coma, as it is a state of complete loss of consciousness and reflexes caused by severe brain injury.
Choice B: Devoid of cognitive function but has sleep-wake cycles is a description of persistent vegetative state, as it is a state of minimal awareness and responsiveness caused by widespread brain damage.
Choice C: Inability to move or respond except for eye movements due to a lesion affecting the pons is not a description of persistent vegetative state, but rather a description of locked-in syndrome, as it is a state of complete paralysis and preserved consciousness caused by damage to the brainstem.
Choice D: Unresponsiveness to the environment, makes no movement or sound but sometimes opens eyes is not a description of persistent vegetative state, but rather a description of akinetic mutism, as it is a state of severe apathy and reduced motor activity caused by damage to the frontal lobes or basal ganglia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Sepsis is a serious infection that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an injury or illness. It can cause organ failure and death. People with spinal cord injury are more prone to sepsis because they may have impaired bladder and bowel function, skin breakdown, or reduced sensation that can lead to infections.
Choice B: Pulmonary embolism is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by a blood clot. It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and death. People with spinal cord injury are more at risk of pulmonary embolism because they may have reduced mobility, blood circulation, or breathing capacity that can promote blood clot formation.
Choice C: Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can cause fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. People with spinal cord injury are more susceptible to pneumonia because they may have weakened cough reflex, impaired lung function, or aspiration of food or saliva into the lungs.
Choice D: All of the above are major causes of death related to spinal cord injury. They can occur separately or together and can be prevented or treated with proper medical care and lifestyle modifications.
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