A patient has symptoms that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS). Which diagnostic tests are likely to be ordered to aid in the diagnosis of this patient?

Choice A rationale

A patient 3 days after surgery may still require higher doses of opioids for pain management, but the duration and intensity of postoperative pain typically decrease over time. This patient may not necessarily require a higher-than-expected dose compared to others.

Choice B rationale

Patients with cancer often experience severe and chronic pain due to the disease itself or its treatments. These patients may develop tolerance to opioids over time, necessitating higher-than-expected doses to achieve adequate pain relief.

Choice C rationale

Hypotension is a contraindication for high doses of opioids, as opioids can cause further blood pressure reduction. This patient would require careful dose adjustment to avoid exacerbating hypotension.

Choice D rationale

Patients with a concussion are at risk of altered mental status and respiratory depression from opioids. Therefore, higher doses are generally avoided to prevent worsening of these conditions.

Choice A rationale

Parkinson's disease is characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine, primarily due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. This imbalance results in the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

Choice B rationale

Parkinson's disease involves decreased dopamine production, not increased. The disease is caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to reduced dopamine levels and an imbalance with acetylcholine.

Choice C rationale

Alzheimer's disease is not primarily characterized by a decrease in dopamine. Instead, it involves the degeneration of cholinergic neurons and a deficiency in acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and cognitive functions.

Choice D rationale

Alzheimer's disease is associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine rather than an excess. The disease is also characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which contribute to cognitive decline.