NURSING MA278 Module 08 Case Study: CNS Movement Disorders

Part I—"Harry" Questions 1. What condition or conditions (disease/diseases) could Harry have as described in this case? Which one would be your primary diagnosis? In a very general explanation, describe this condition/disease. (1 point) My best guess is that Harry has ALS. ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Muscles do not get enough nourishment and begin to atrophy. 2. Which patient findings/observations lead you to your primary diagnosis? How do they relate to the primary diagnosis? (1 point) Harrys muscle weakness in his arms, tripping, slurred speech, and positive Babinski reflex indicates motor damage to both upper and lower motor neurons. Also Harrys glutamate is high, which is common in ALS. 3. How does this condition (pathophysiology) affect the body and lead to the observable symptoms and dysfunction? Be specific in the areas of the CNS it affects. (1 point) In ALS, the nerve cells that control the movement of your muscles gradually die, so your muscles progressively weaken and begin to waste away. Gene mutation can cause this horrible disease, as well as a chemical imbalance of glutamate around nerve cells in the spinal fluid which can be toxic to nerves. Abnormal immune response can also cause this disease when the immune system attacks normal cells which can lead to death of nerve cells. 4. What treatment options are available for this condition? (1 point) Unfortunately there is no cure for ALS, only treatments which focus on slowing the progression of symptoms. Riluzole is the only FDA approved medication for ALS right now. 5. What is the prevalence and prognosis of this condition? Is it an inheritable (genetic) condition/disease? (1 point) This disease is most prevalent in those aged 40-60 with men being more susceptible than women. This can also be a genetic disease passed down in families. Smoking, lead exposure, and Military service all increase the risk of ALS. Since there is no cure, ALS does lead to death usually in 2-5 years of diagnosis. 6. What types of care and health care support will Harry have to possibly depend upon in the future? What preparations should Harry make? (1 point) Harry will likely end up needing to be placed in a nursing home when he can no longer carry out his daily activities. Hospice may be an option to look into as well. Harry should prepare for the end