During an interview with a male client who has Parkinson's disease (PD), the nurse notices that he is drooling and mumbling. Which pathophysiological factor contributes to the client's inability to express himself?
Damage to Broca's area in temporal lobe of brain.
Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the basal ganglia.
Brain atrophy with diffuse amyloid plaques disposition.
Paralysis of the pharyngeal and epiglottal area.
The Correct Answer is B
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia. This degeneration leads to a deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of movement and coordination. The inability to express oneself, as seen in the client's mumbling, can be attributed to the motor symptoms of PD, particularly bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and hypomimia (reduced facial expression), which result from dopaminergic neuron degeneration.
A) Damage to Broca's area in the temporal lobe of the brain:
Damage to Broca's area typically results in expressive aphasia, which is characterized by difficulty speaking and forming coherent sentences. While speech difficulties can occur in PD, they are primarily due to motor dysfunction rather than damage to specific language centers in the brain.
B) Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the basal ganglia:
Correct. Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia, particularly the substantia nigra, is the primary pathological factor in Parkinson's disease. This degeneration leads to motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity, which can affect the client's ability to speak clearly and express himself.
C) Brain atrophy with diffuse amyloid plaques disposition:
This description is more characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, a different neurodegenerative disorder characterized by brain atrophy and the deposition of amyloid plaques. While cognitive impairment can occur in PD, the primary motor symptoms are related to dopaminergic neuron degeneration rather than amyloid plaque deposition.
D) Paralysis of the pharyngeal and epiglottal area:
Paralysis of the pharyngeal and epiglottal area can lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) rather than difficulty expressing oneself verbally. While dysphagia can occur in PD, it is not typically the primary factor contributing to speech difficulties in this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypothyroidism is characterized by deficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in circulating levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in an attempt to stimulate thyroid hormone production.
A) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
This pattern of laboratory findings is not consistent with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of T3 and T4 due to impaired thyroid function, leading to increased TSH levels as a compensatory response. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) Increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
While TSH levels are typically increased in hypothyroidism, T3 levels are usually decreased. Therefore, the combination of increased T3 and TSH is not indicative of hypothyroidism. This option is incorrect.
C) Decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
Correct. In hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in both T3 and T4 levels due to impaired thyroid function. As a compensatory mechanism, the pituitary gland releases increased amounts of TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland. Therefore, this pattern of laboratory findings is consistent with hypothyroidism.
D) Decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4):
Decreased levels of TSH, T3, and T4 are not indicative of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated TSH levels and decreased T3 and T4 levels. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Lipase:
Correct. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas that aids in the digestion of fats. Elevated levels of lipase in the blood can indicate pancreatic damage or inflammation, such as that which may occur due to trauma like a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Pancreatic injury can lead to leakage of enzymes into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated serum lipase levels. Monitoring lipase levels helps assess pancreatic function and detect injury or disease.
B) Myoglobinuria:
Myoglobinuria refers to the presence of myoglobin, a protein found in muscle cells, in the urine. It is often associated with muscle injury or breakdown, such as rhabdomyolysis. While abdominal trauma may result in muscle injury, myoglobinuria is not specific to pancreatic damage and is more indicative of muscle-related injury or conditions.
C) White blood count (WBC):
Elevated white blood cell count (WBC), or leukocytosis, is a non-specific marker of inflammation or infection. While it may occur in response to tissue injury, including pancreatic injury, it is not specific to pancreatic damage and can be elevated due to various other factors, such as surgical stress, infection, or inflammation.
D) Bilirubin:
Bilirubin is a pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells and is excreted by the liver. Elevated levels of bilirubin may indicate liver dysfunction or obstruction of the bile ducts, but they are not specific to pancreatic damage. While pancreatic injury can lead to obstruction of the bile ducts in some cases, monitoring bilirubin levels alone is not sufficient to diagnose pancreatic damage.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
