The nurse provides care for a patient with an 8-year history of Parkinson's disease. The patient has difficulty getting out of chairs, makes tremulous movements, and mumbles words. What is the best explanation for these clinical manifestations?

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.

Choice A reason: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that are part of the immune system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not have Reed-Sternberg cells, which are abnormal, large, and multinucleated cells that are characteristic of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Choice B reason: Multiple myeloma is not the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells, which are a type of lymphocyte that produce antibodies. Multiple myeloma does not have Reed-Sternberg cells, but it can have abnormal plasma cells that are called myeloma cells.

Choice C reason: Hodgkin lymphoma is the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a network of organs, tissues, and vessels that help fight infections and diseases. Hodgkin lymphoma has Reed-Sternberg cells, which are the hallmark of this disease. Reed-Sternberg cells are thought to be derived from B lymphocytes, which are a type of lymphocyte that produce antibodies.

Choice D reason: Acute lymphocytic leukemia is not the correct answer because it is a type of cancer that affects the immature lymphocytes, which are called lymphoblasts. Acute lymphocytic leukemia does not have Reed-Sternberg cells, but it can have abnormal lymphoblasts that are called leukemic cells.