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 ["15"]

Explanation

To calculate the dose of phenytoin suspension, the nurse should use the following formula:

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

Plugging in the values from the question, we get:

Dose (mL) = 75 mg / (25 mg/5 mL) x 5 mL

Dose (mL) = 15 mL

Therefore, the nurse should administer 15 mL of phenytoin suspension to the patient

A. "Have you had an MMR immunization?" B. "Have you had a recent upper respiratory infection?" C. "Have you traveled overseas recently?" D. "Are you taking a multivitamin?"

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Have you had an MMR immunization?"

This question is not directly relevant to the assessment of Guillain-Barré syndrome. MMR immunization history may be pertinent to other health assessments, such as immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.

B. "Have you had a recent upper respiratory infection?"

This is the correct answer. GBS often occurs after a recent upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, so asking about recent illnesses can provide valuable information for diagnosis.

C. "Have you traveled overseas recently?"

While travel history may be relevant to certain infectious diseases, it is not typically associated with the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Therefore, this question is less pertinent in this context.

D. "Are you taking a multivitamin?"

The use of multivitamins is unlikely to be directly related to the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome. While nutritional status is important for overall health, it is not a primary focus when assessing for GBS.

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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

A nurse is preparing to administer phenytoin 75 mg PO. Available is phenytoin suspension 25 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 ["15"]

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a possible medical diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Which of the following questions should the nurse ask the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching a client who has a new prescription for phenytoin. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

A patient is stuporous but reacts by withdrawing from painful stimuli. Which term is most appropriate for this patient?

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.)

Which neurologic finding would be considered abnormal in an 88-year-old patient?

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

Which condition would indicate to the nurse that the patient has a phenytoin (Dilantin) toxicity?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for phenytoin. The nurse should recognize that which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 6 days post craniotomy for removal of an intracerebral aneurysm. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of increased intracranial pressure?