The nurse provides care for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The client has bilateral muscle weakness, frequent muscle spasms, and urinary retention. Which best describes the cause of these manifestations?
Ischemia of the motor and sensory neurons in the brain
Damage and scarring of the white matter in the brain
Infection of the parietal and temporal lobes of the brain
Increased amounts of epinephrine and acetylcholine in the brain
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Ischemia of the motor and sensory neurons in the brain is not the cause of multiple sclerosis, but a possible consequence of it. Ischemia is a lack of blood supply to the tissues, which may result from inflammation, thrombosis, or embolism. It may cause neuronal death, stroke, or dementia.
Choice B reason: Damage and scarring of the white matter in the brain is the best description of the cause of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath, which is a protective layer that covers the nerve fibers. The damage and scarring of the myelin sheath, also called demyelination, disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses and causes various neurological symptoms.
Choice C reason: Infection of the parietal and temporal lobes of the brain is not the cause of multiple sclerosis, but a rare complication of it. Infection of the brain, also called encephalitis, may occur due to viral, bacterial, or fungal agents. It may cause fever, headache, confusion, seizures, or coma.
Choice D reason: Increased amounts of epinephrine and acetylcholine in the brain are not the cause of multiple sclerosis, but a possible effect of it. Epinephrine and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters that regulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, respectively. They may be affected by the demyelination of the nerve fibers, which may alter the autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, or bladder control.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hemothorax is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where blood accumulates in the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Hemothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause tracheal deviation, which is a sign of increased pressure in the chest.
Choice B reason: Absorption atelectasis is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs, collapse due to lack of oxygen. Absorption atelectasis can cause reduced breath sounds, but it does not cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a life-threatening emergency.
Choice C reason: Tension pneumothorax is the correct explanation because it is a condition where air leaks into the pleural space and creates a one-way valve that prevents the air from escaping. This causes the pressure in the chest to increase, which compresses the lung, the heart, and the great vessels. Tension pneumothorax can cause low blood pressure, rapid breathing, absent breath sounds, and tracheal deviation, which are signs of a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Choice D reason: Hypovolemic shock is not the correct explanation because it is a condition where the body loses a large amount of blood or fluid, which reduces the blood volume and the blood pressure. Hypovolemic shock can cause low blood pressure and rapid breathing, but it does not cause absent breath sounds or tracheal deviation, which are signs of a chest injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Liver failure is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the liver loses its ability to perform its vital functions, such as detoxifying the blood, producing bile, and metabolizing nutrients. Liver failure can cause symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, or bleeding, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
Choice B reason: Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the blood glucose level is too high, either due to insufficient insulin production or reduced insulin sensitivity. Diabetes mellitus can cause damage to the nerves, especially in the peripheral areas, such as the feet, which is called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can cause symptoms such as burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the feet, which can worsen at night or with pressure.
Choice C reason: Mercury toxicity is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the body is exposed to high levels of mercury, which is a toxic metal that can be found in some fish, dental fillings, or thermometers. Mercury toxicity can cause damage to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, or mood changes, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
Choice D reason: Vitamin B12 deficiency is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the body does not have enough vitamin B12, which is a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, or weakness, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
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