Author Question: A patient is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What should the nurse identify as ... (Read 109 times)

mwit1967 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What should the nurse identify as being the priority nursing activity for this patient?

1. Support the patient and family to meet physical and psychosocial needs.
2. Monitor for infection.
3. Assist the patient to avoid complications.
4. Assist the patient to adapt to the disease.

Question 2

The nurse is having a conversation with an older adult with Parkinson disease. What speech patterns would this patient most likely exhibit during conversation with the nurse?

Select all that apply.
1. a low-pitched monotone voice
2. bubbly, spirited discussion
3. jumbled words that do not make sense
4. angry, loud talk
5. slurring and poor articulation of words

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Support for the patient and family should receive the highest priority for nursing intervention. It is also important to monitor for infection, and assist the patient and family to avoid complications and adapt to the disease, but these are not as important as supporting the patient and family to meet physical and psychosocial needs.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 5
Voice amplitude and vocal articulation is affected by the neuromuscular effects of Parkinson disease. The voice becomes very monotonous with progression of the disease; patients will exhibit slowed speaking patterns and will have difficulty articulating clearly. Patients will need to be reminded to speak loudly. Muscular ability may make communication difficult, but the patient will retain cognitive ability, so communication should make sense. The patient with Parkinson disease will not have a bubbly spirited discussion, sound angry, or have a loud voice.