Chronic Neurological Conditions Nursing Interventions

Which diagnostic confirms a diagnosis of ALS?

MRI

What teachings should the nurse include in patients with ALS?

- Assist the client to prepare an advance directive

- Recognize early signs of respiratory problems and risk for aspiration

- Promote understanding of fall risk, muscle weakness/pain, and exercise options

What is an early manifestation of ALS?

Weakness of the distal extremities

What is a characteristic of Huntington's Disease?

Progressive degeneration of basal ganglia and cerebral cortex

Priority nursing intervention for a client with MS relapse affecting motor function?

Maintain a clear path to the bathroom

Which assessment best indicates progression of MS?

Client is no longer able to walk without assistance

Highest priority nursing intervention for a myasthenia gravis patient with muscle weakness and hoarse voice?

Assess for signs of aspiration

What finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis?

Muscle weakness that improves with rest

Appropriate nursing action when a myasthenia gravis patient reports increased fatigue and difficulty speaking by the end of the day?

Allow frequent rest breaks and cluster activities early in the day

Manifestations of Parkinson's Disease?

- Shuffling gait

- Pill-rolling tremor of the fingers

- Drooling

Main pathology causing changes in Parkinson's Disease?

Reduction of dopamine in the brain

Nutritional plan actions for a Parkinson's Disease patient?

- Record diet and fluid intake

- Offer cold and thick fluids

- Offer nutritional supplements between meals

Most important intervention for an ALS patient experiencing difficulty breathing?

Administer non-invasive positive pressure ventilation

Priority nursing action for a patient with ALS reporting difficulty swallowing?

Consult with a speech-language pathologist

Psychosocial concern for a newly diagnosed ALS patient?

Risk for social isolation and depression

Priority nursing intervention for Huntington's Disease patient with involuntary movements and impaired mobility?

Implement fall precautions

Dietary recommendation for a Huntington's Disease patient with dysphagia?

Mechanical soft diet with thickened liquids

Family understanding of Huntington's Disease genetics?

"Each of our children has a 50% chance of inheriting it."

Expected finding when assessing a client recently diagnosed with MS?

Visual disturbances and fatigue

Statement indicating need for further teaching in MS disease management?

"Increasing my intake of high-fat foods will improve my nerve function."

Intervention for MS patient reporting frequent fatigue?

Cluster care to allow rest periods throughout the day

Common symptom of Myasthenia Gravis?

Muscle weakness that improves with rest

True or False: Anna's diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes does not affect her myasthenia gravis management.

False

Factor that increases Anna's risk for myasthenia gravis?

(Commonly genetic predisposition or autoimmune conditions)

What should be monitored closely due to Anna's history of myasthenic crisis?

Respiratory status/swallowing ability

True or False: Oral nutrition is the only method of feeding for patients with difficulty swallowing.

False

Clinical manifestation expected in Stage III Parkinson's Disease?

Muscle rigidity and bradykinesia

Risk factors increasing T.P.'s risk for Parkinson's?

- Family history of Parkinson's

- Long-term exposure to paint fumes

- Long-term use of antipsychotics

Highest priority nursing intervention for T.P. who experiences frequent falls?

Teach T.P. to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions