Which reason explains why a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is uniquely prone to depression?
Intellectual capacity is not affected.
Communication is altered.
Mobility is limited.
Nutritional intake is poor.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Intellectual capacity is not affected:
This statement refers to the fact that ALS primarily affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis, but it typically does not directly impact cognitive function or intellectual capacity. While cognitive impairment is not a hallmark feature of ALS, some individuals may experience changes in cognitive function or behavior, such as executive dysfunction or frontotemporal dementia, in later stages of the disease. However, depression in ALS is not primarily linked to changes in intellectual capacity but rather to other factors such as altered communication, physical limitations, and loss of autonomy.
B. Communication is altered:
ALS can affect the muscles involved in speech and swallowing, leading to difficulties in communicationAs the disease progresses, patients may experience dysarthria (difficulty speaking clearly) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which can impair their ability to communicate effectively with others. Altered communication can result in frustration, social isolation, and feelings of being misunderstood, all of which are risk factors for depression.
C. Mobility is limited:
ALS causes progressive muscle weakness and paralysis, which can significantly impair mobility over time. As the disease advances, individuals with ALS may become increasingly dependent on mobility aids such as wheelchairs or may require assistance with mobility tasks. Limited mobility can lead to feelings of loss of independence, decreased participation in activities, and increased dependence on caregivers, all of which can contribute to depression.
D. Nutritional intake is poor:
ALS can affect the muscles involved in swallowing and chewing, leading to difficulties with eating and drinking. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in ALS and can result in poor nutritional intake and weight loss. Malnutrition and weight loss are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in ALS, and they can also contribute to feelings of weakness, fatigue, and overall decline in quality of life, which may exacerbate depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Muscle tremors:
Muscle tremors, particularly resting tremors, are a hallmark feature of Parkinson's disease. These tremors typically occur in the hands, fingers, arms, legs, jaw, or head and may worsen with stress or inactivity.
B. Slow body movement (bradykinesia):
Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and is another key symptom of Parkinson's disease. Patients may have difficulty initiating movement, experience a decrease in spontaneous movement (hypokinesia), and demonstrate reduced range of motion.
C. Rigidity:
Rigidity, or stiffness of the muscles, is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease. It often affects the limbs and trunk and can contribute to difficulty with movement and posture.
D. Pill rolling:
Pill rolling refers to a specific type of tremor characterized by rhythmic, rolling movements of the thumb and fingers, resembling the action of rolling a pill between the fingers and thumb. This tremor is commonly seen in Parkinson's disease.
E. Lack of facial expression:
Parkinson's disease can lead to a reduced range of facial expressions, also known as hypomimia or "masked facies." Patients may have a fixed, expressionless facial appearance and reduced blinking.
F. Drooling:
Drooling, or excessive salivation, can occur in Parkinson's disease due to impaired swallowing function (dysphagia) and reduced control over oral and facial muscles.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Excessive salivation:
Excessive salivation is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine often cause dry mouth, which is more common than excessive salivation.
B. Difficulty voiding:
Difficulty voiding, or urinary retention, is a potential adverse effect of anticholinergic medications like benztropine. Anticholinergic drugs can cause relaxation of the detrusor muscle in the bladder, leading to urinary retention. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report any difficulty or inability to urinate.
C. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine typically cause constipation due to their antimuscarinic effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
D. Slow pulse:
Slow pulse, or bradycardia, is not a common adverse effect of benztropine. Instead, anticholinergic medications like benztropine may cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) due to their effects on the autonomic nervous system.
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