Author Question: A 41-year-old woman was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 7 years ago and is sharing her story ... (Read 131 times)

tnt_battle · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A 41-year-old woman was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 7 years ago and is sharing her story with members of an MS support group, many of whom have been diagnosed recently.

Which of the following aspects of her health problem should the woman warn others to expect at some point in the progression of the disease? Select all that apply.
A)
Debilitating fatigue
B)
Progressive loss of visual acuity
C)
Gradual development of a resting tremor
D)
Loss of mental acuity
E)
Shuffling gait

Question 2

A patient with diabetes mellitus has just undergone a right, below-the-knee amputation following gangrene infection. A few days post-op, the patient confides in the nurse that he still feels his right foot.

Knowing the pathophysiologic principles behind this, the nurse can
A)
administer a psychotropic medication to help the patient cope with the loss of his leg.
B)
explain that many amputees have this sensation and that one theory surmises that the end of a regenerating nerve becomes trapped in the scar tissue of the amputation site.
C)
call the physician and ask him for an order for a psychological consult.
D)
educate the patient that this area has an usually abnormal increase in sensitivity to sensation but that it will go away with time.

manuelcastillo · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
A, B, D

Feedback:

Fatigue, visual deficits, and cognitive disturbances are all noted manifestations of MS, while respiratory function and GI function are not normally affected. Shuffling gait is usually associated with Parkinson disease.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
B

Feedback:

Multiple theories exist related to the causes of phantom limb pain. One rationale is that the end of the regenerating nerve becomes trapped in the scar tissue that forms a barrier to regenerating outgrowth of the axon. The usual treatment includes the use of sympathetic blocks; TENS of the large myelinated afferents innervating the area; hypnosis; and relaxation training.