Which pathophysiologic change is found in the brain tissue of people who have Alzheimer's disease?

Decreased dopamine

Increased glial cells

Increased glutamate

Neurofibrillary tangles

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Dopamine is primarily associated with other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, not Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's disease, the focus is on changes related to beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles rather than alterations in dopamine levels.
B.   Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, play a role in the brain's immune response and support of neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of increased activation and proliferation of glial cells in response to neuroinflammation and the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This reactive gliosis is a secondary response to the underlying pathology.
C.   Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions, including memory and learning. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of dysregulation in glutamate metabolism and

signaling pathways. This dysregulation can lead to excitotoxicity, which contributes to neuronal damage and cell death seen in the disease.
D.   Neurofibrillary tangles are one of the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. These tangles are aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that accumulate inside neurons, disrupting their normal functioning and eventually leading to cell death. Neurofibrillary tangles, along with beta- amyloid plaques, contribute to the progressive cognitive decline observed in Alzheimer's disease.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Retropulsion is a classic manifestation of postural instability in Parkinson's disease. It refers to a tendency to lose balance and fall backward, especially when attempting to initiate walking or when challenged with external forces.
B. Impaired handwriting, also known as micrographia, is associated with bradykinesia (slowness of movement) in Parkinson's disease. It manifests as progressively smaller and more cramped handwriting.

C. Muscle soreness and pain can occur in Parkinson's disease, but they are not typically directly associated with postural instability. They may occur due to rigidity (muscle stiffness) or abnormal postures maintained over time.
D. Slow movements, or bradykinesia, are a hallmark feature of Parkinson's disease and are characterized by a gradual reduction in the speed and fluidity of voluntary movements. While related to motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, slow movements are not specific to postural instability.

A. Multiple sclerosis B. Guillain Barre Syndrome C. Myasthenia gravis D. Parkinson's disease

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the brain and spinal cord. It typically presents with a wide range of neurological symptoms such as blurred vision, sensory disturbances, weakness, and difficulties with coordination and balance. However, MS does not typically present with a sudden onset of ascending numbness and weakness starting in the feet and moving upwards.
B. GBS is an acute autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. It often starts with numbness, tingling, and weakness in the feet and legs, which then

progresses symmetrically upwards to involve the upper limbs and potentially affect respiratory muscles. This ascending pattern of weakness is characteristic of GBS, making it the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.
C. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue, especially with repetitive use. It typically presents with fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The pattern of ascending numbness and weakness seen in the scenario does not align with the typical presentation of myasthenia gravis.
D. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting movement. It presents with symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability. It does not typically cause numbness or a symmetrical ascending pattern of weakness as described in the scenario.

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Which pathophysiologic change is found in the brain tissue of people who have Alzheimer's disease?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The classic manifestations associated with Parkinson's disease are tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. The nurse understands that a finding related to postural instability includes which of the following?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client presents to the emergency department with complaints of numbness and weakness which began in the feet and has progressed symmetrically in an ascending pattern through the bilateral lower extremities. The nurse understands that this pattern most closely fits which neurological disorder?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has myasthenia gravis which has not responded to medication treatments. Which of the following surgeries can treat myasthenia gravis?

A nurse manager is discussing social services for older adults during a staff meeting in a long- term acute care (LTAC) facility. Which statement about Medicare made by one of the employees requires correction by the nurse manager?

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