A nurse is teaching a client who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) about the end stages of the disease process. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You might wear splints over affected joints while you are sleeping."
"You will be given dexamethasone to treat muscle atrophy."
"You might require a machine to keep your airway open.
"You will receive nutrition through a central venous access device.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Wearing splints over affected joints while sleeping is a strategy to prevent contractures, which are common in ALS.
Choice B rationale:
Dexamethasone is not used to treat muscle atrophy in ALS.
Choice C rationale:
As ALS progresses, clients may lose the ability to control their respiratory muscles, and a machine such as a ventilator may be required to assist with breathing.
Choice D rationale:
Nutrition through a central venous access device is not a standard intervention for ALS, as the focus is on preserving the client's ability to eat and swallow for as long as possible.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Upper abdominal pain is not a typical manifestation of diverticulitis. It is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Choice B rationale:
Rationale: Diverticulitis is characterized by inflammation or infection of diverticula (small pouches) in the colon. Manifestations of diverticulitis can include abdominal pain (usually left lower quadrant), fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.
Abdominal distension may indicate worsening inflammation or complication of diverticulitis.
Choice C rationale: Clay-colored stools are more characteristic of liver or bile duct disorders, not diverticulitis.
Choice D rationale: Gastric reflux is not a common manifestation of diverticulitis. It is more related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other upper gastrointestinal issues.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Other family members or close contacts may consider immunization, but it is not directly related to the client's ALS diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
Since the client has a new diagnosis of ALS, the immediate focus should not be on selling their home, but rather on understanding and managing the disease.
Choice C rationale:
Requiring hospice care immediately is not a standard recommendation for a client with ALS. The client's disease progression and needs will be assessed to determine the appropriate level of care.
Choice D rationale:
Creating a living will is important for clients with a terminal illness like ALS, as it allows them to express their wishes for medical treatment and care preferences in advance.
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