The patient reports generalized muscle weakness. The health care ...

[Charlie]

The patient reports generalized muscle weakness. The health care provider orders administration of the medication edrophonium chloride (Tensilon). This medication is used in the diagnosis of:
 
  a. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  b. myasthenia gravis.
  c. multiple sclerosis (MS).
  d. autonomic hyperreflexia.

Question 2

A patient is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). What physiological change is causing the patient's symptoms?
 
  a. Depletion of dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS)
  b. Demyelination of nerve fibers in the CNS
  c. The development of neurofibril webs in the CNS
  d. Reduced amounts of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction

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Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is made on the basis of a response to edrophonium chloride (Tensilon). This medication is not associated with the diagnosis of ALS, MS, or autonomic hy-perreflexia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The pathophysiology of MS includes demyelination of nerve fibers. Depletion of dopamine is related to Parkinson disease. The development of neurofibrils is related to Alzheimer disease. Myasthenia gravis is due to decreased amounts of acetylcholine at the junction.