MED SURG NEURO QUESTIONSAND ANSWERS WITH RATIONALE {VERIFIED}

The nurse is caring for a group of patients on a medical unit. After receiving report, which patient should the nurse see first? A. A 42-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis who was admitted with sepsis B. A 72-year-old patient with Parkinson's disease who has aspiration pneumonia C. A 38-year-old patient with myasthenia gravis who declined prescribed medications D. A 45-year-old patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who refuses enteral feedings - C. A 38-year-old patient with myasthenia gravis who declined prescribed medications Patients with myasthenia gravis who discontinue pyridostigmine (Mestinon) will develop a myasthenic crisis. Myasthenia crisis results in severe muscle weakness and can lead to a respiratory arrest. The nurse observes a 74-year-old man with Parkinson's disease rocking side to side while sitting in the chair. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? A. Provide the patient with diversional activities. B. Document the activity in the patient's health record. C. Take the patient's blood pressure sitting and standing. D. Ask if the patient is feeling either anxious or depressed. - B. Document the activity in the patient's health record. Patients with Parkinson's disease are instructed to rock from side to side to stimulate balance mechanisms and decrease akinesia. The nurse provides dietary instructions to the in-home caregiver of a 45-year-old man who has Huntington's disease. The nurse is most concerned if the caregiver makes which statement? A. "Depression is common and may cause a decrease in appetite." B. "If swallowing becomes difficult, a feeding tube may be needed." C. "Calories should be restricted to prevent unnecessary weight gain." D. "Muscles in the face are affected, and chewing may become impossible." - C. "Calories should be restricted to prevent unnecessary weight gain." Patients with Huntington's disease may require 4000 to 5000 calories per day to maintain body weight. Weight loss occurs in patients with Huntington's disease because of choreic movements, difficulty swallowing, depression, and mental deterioration. Which measure should the nurse prioritize when providing care for a patient with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS)? A. Vigilant infection control and adherence to standard precautions B. Careful monitoring of neurologic assessment and frequent reorientation C. Maintenance of a calorie count and hourly assessment of intake and output D. Assessment of blood pressure and monitoring for signs of orthostatic hypotension - A. Vigilant infection control and adherence to standard precautions Infection control is a priority in the care of patients with MS, since infection is the most common cause of an exacerbation of the disease. Decreases in cognitive function are less likely, and MS does not typically result in malnutrition, hypotension, or fluid volume excess or deficit. A male patient with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been admitted recently to a long-term care facility. Which action should the health care team take in order to promote adequate nutrition for this patient? A. Provide multivitamins with each meal. B. Provide a diet that is low in complex carbohydrates and high in protein. C. Provide small, frequent meals throughout the day that are easy to chew and swallow. D. Provide the patient with a minced or pureed diet that is high in potassium and low in sodium. - C. Provide small, frequent meals throughout the day that are easy to chew and swallow. Nutritional support is a priority in the care of individuals with PD. Such patients may benefit from meals that are smaller and more frequent than normal and that are easy to chew and swallow. Which nursing diagnosis is likely to be a priority in the care of a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG)? A. Acute confusion B. Bowel incontinence C. Activity intolerance D. Disturbed sleep pattern - C. Activity intolerance The primary feature of MG is fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscle. Bowel incontinence and confusion are unlikely signs of MG, and although sleep disturbance is likely, activity intolerance is usually of primary concern. When establishing a diagnosis of MS, the nurse should teach the patient about what diagnostic studies (select all that apply)? A. EEG B. CT scan C. Carotid duplex scan D. Evoked response testing E. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis - B. CT scan Correct D. Evoked response testing Correct E. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis Correct There is no definitive diagnostic test for MS. CT scan, evoked response testing, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and MRI along with history and physical examination are used to establish a diagnosis for MS. EEG and carotid duplex scan are not used for diagnosing MS A 48-year-old man was just diagnosed with Huntington's disease. His 20-year-old son is upset about his father's diagnosis. How can the nurse best help this young man?