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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Toes turning up and spreading:

This description corresponds to the abnormal finding in the Babinski reflex. In a positive Babinski sign, the big toe (hallux) dorsiflexes (turns upward) and the other toes fan out. This response is abnormal in adults but normal in infants up to a certain age.

B. Downward curl of the toes:

This response is typical of the normal plantar reflex, where the toes curl downward (plantar flexion) in response to stimulation of the sole of the foot. It is not indicative of the Babinski reflex.

C. Pain in the big toe:

Pain in the big toe is not a characteristic finding of the Babinski reflex. The Babinski sign is assessed by observing the movement pattern of the toes in response to stimulation, rather than eliciting pain.

D. Big toe bending upward:

The big toe bending upward, or dorsiflexion of the big toe, is a specific component of the positive Babinski sign. However, it is typically accompanied by spreading of the other toes, which is the hallmark feature of the Babinski reflex.

Correct Answer is ["10"]

Explanation

To calculate the dose of valproic acid oral solution, the nurse should use the following formula:

Dose (mL) = Ordered dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL) x Volume (mL)

Plugging in the values from the question, we get:

Dose (mL) = 500 mg / (250 mg / 5 mL) x 5 mL

Simplifying, we get:

Dose (mL) = 500 mg / 50 mg x 5 mL

Dose (mL) = 10 mL

Therefore, the nurse should administer 10 of valproic acid oral solution to the patient.

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Which reason explains why a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is uniquely prone to depression?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse documents an abnormal finding from the Babinski reflex as a (the):

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer valproic acid 500 mg PO. Available is valproic acid oral solution 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Correct Answer is ["10"]

Explanation

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