Which reason explains why a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is uniquely prone to depression?

Intellectual capacity is not affected.

Communication is altered.

Mobility is limited.

Nutritional intake is poor.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Intellectual capacity is not affected:

This statement refers to the fact that ALS primarily affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, but it typically does not directly impact cognitive function or intellectual capacity. While cognitive impairment is not a hallmark feature of ALS, some individuals may experience changes in cognitive function or behavior, such as executive dysfunction or frontotemporal dementia, in later stages of the disease. However, depression in ALS is not primarily linked to changes in intellectual capacity but rather to other factors such as altered communication, physical limitations, and loss of autonomy.

B. Communication is altered:

ALS can affect the muscles involved in speech and swallowing, leading to difficulties in communicationAs the disease progresses, patients may experience dysarthria (difficulty speaking clearly) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which can impair their ability to communicate effectively with others. Altered communication can result in frustration, social isolation, and feelings of being misunderstood, all of which are risk factors for depression.

C. Mobility is limited:

ALS causes progressive muscle weakness and paralysis, which can significantly impair mobility over time. As the disease advances, individuals with ALS may become increasingly dependent on mobility aids such as wheelchairs or may require assistance with mobility tasks. Limited mobility can lead to feelings of loss of independence, decreased participation in activities, and increased dependence on caregivers, all of which can contribute to depression.

D. Nutritional intake is poor:

ALS can affect the muscles involved in swallowing and chewing, leading to difficulties with eating and drinking. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in ALS and can result in poor nutritional intake and weight loss. Malnutrition and weight loss are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in ALS, and they can also contribute to feelings of weakness, fatigue, and overall decline in quality of life, which may exacerbate depression.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Lhermitte's sign:

Lhermitte's sign is a neurological symptom characterized by a sensation of electric shock-like pain that radiates down the spine and into the limbs, typically triggered by flexing the neck forward. It is often described as shooting or stabbing pain and is commonly associated with lesions or damage to the cervical spinal cord. Lhermitte's sign is not associated with a tightening sensation around the torso but rather with shooting pain down the spine and limbs.

B. Trigeminal neuralgia:

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe, shooting pain along the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face. The pain is typically triggered by activities such as chewing, speaking, or touching the face. Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, intense, electric shock-like pain in the face, particularly in the areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve (e.g., cheek, jaw, forehead). It is not associated with a tightening sensation around the torso.

C. MS hug:

The "MS hug" is a symptom experienced by some individuals with multiple sclerosis, characterized by a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing around the chest, abdomen, or torso. It can feel like a band tightening around the body and may be described as a constricting or girdling sensation. The MS hug is caused by spasms or tightening of the muscles surrounding the rib cage or the intercostal muscles due to damage to the nerves that control muscle function in MS.

D. Paroxysmal spasms:

Paroxysmal spasms refer to sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms that occur intermittently. These spasms can affect various parts of the body and are commonly associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis. However, they typically present as brief, sudden contractions rather than a persistent tightening sensation around the torso.

A. "It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more." B. "You should talk to your physician about things of that nature." C. "No. Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days." D. "Yes. In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more."

This response is appropriate. Spinal shock can initially obscure the extent of neurological injury, and it may take time for the full extent of the injury to become apparent. By acknowledging this and suggesting that more information will be available once spinal shock subsides, the nurse provides a realistic perspective without prematurely predicting the outcome.

B. "You should talk to your physician about things of that nature."

This response may come across as dismissive or evasive. While it is true that the physician ultimately determines the patient's prognosis, the family may be seeking reassurance and guidance from the nurse as well.

C. "No. Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days."

This response is overly optimistic and potentially misleading. While some improvement may occur in the days following a spinal cord injury, significant recovery of function within a few days is unlikely, especially in cases of flaccid paralysis of all extremities.

D. "Yes. In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent."

This response is overly pessimistic and lacks sensitivity. It may unnecessarily distress the family and extinguish hope for the patient's recovery.

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Which reason explains why a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is uniquely prone to depression?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis and reports a tightening feeling around their torso. Which of the following conditions should the nurse recognize this finding indicates?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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