The nurse is educating the family of a patient in the late stages ...

[biggirl4568]

The nurse is educating the family of a patient in the late stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which information is most important for the nurse to include?
 
  a. Ability to move the upper limbs may be affected.
  b. Cognitive and mental capacities will most likely remain intact throughout the disease progression.
  c. Breathing should not be affected by the disease.
  d. Ability to swallow will remain intact.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a surgical patient who complains of excessive gas. Which action should the nurse take?
 
  a. Offer iced fluids.
  b. Arrange for large meal servings.
  c. Provide a straw for drinking fluids.
  d. Ambulate the patient in the hall.

[EAN94]

Answer to Question 1

B
Whereas the ability to move the upper limbs will likely be affected by the disease, it is important for families to remember that the patient's cognitive and mental capacity stays intact as the motor activity rapidly declines. Breathing and swallowing are often significantly affected by ALS.

Answer to Question 2

D
Ambulation, eating small meals, drinking tepid drinks, and avoiding the use of straws help elim-inate gas.