Chapter 23: Problem 126
The nurse would expect to find which information when reviewing the history of a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A. Visual problems B. Increased sensitivity to pain C. Ascending weakness and numbness D. Confusion and disorientation
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: Visual problems
Step by step solution
01
Understand multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system, specifically the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin. This causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to various symptoms and disabilities.
02
Know the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis
The symptoms in multiple sclerosis can vary widely, but some of the most common include:
1. Fatigue
2. Muscle weakness and spasms
3. Balance and coordination problems
4. Numbness and tingling in various parts of the body
5. Bladder and bowel dysfunction
6. Vision problems, such as blurriness or pain when moving the eye
7. Cognitive dysfunction, including memory loss, attention deficits, and language impairment
8. Emotional changes, such as depression and irritability
03
Evaluate each option based on the symptoms listed
Let's review each of the given options and compare them to the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis:
A. Visual problems - Matches the common symptom of vision problems in MS patients.
B. Increased sensitivity to pain - Although pain can be experienced in MS, increased sensitivity to pain is not a primary symptom.
C. Ascending weakness and numbness - MS can cause muscle weakness and numbness, but they usually do not follow an ascending pattern.
D. Confusion and disorientation - While cognitive dysfunction can be a symptom of MS, confusion and disorientation are not among the primary symptoms of the condition.
04
Choose the correct answer
Based on our understanding of multiple sclerosis and its common symptoms, the correct answer is:
A. Visual problems
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation
Preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) involves a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS).
When preparing for the NCLEX-PN, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the clinical manifestations and symptomatology of diseases to answer questions accurately. In the context of MS, questions may focus on hallmark symptoms, such as visual problems, which can be indicative of optic neuritis, a common finding in MS.
NCLEX-PN candidates should approach their exam preparation with strategy, incorporating practice questions, utilizing resources that offer thorough explanations, and always reflecting on the patient care implications of each question.
When preparing for the NCLEX-PN, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the clinical manifestations and symptomatology of diseases to answer questions accurately. In the context of MS, questions may focus on hallmark symptoms, such as visual problems, which can be indicative of optic neuritis, a common finding in MS.
- Review key concepts: Study the pathophysiology, signs, and symptoms of central nervous system diseases.
- Practice with specifics: Pay attention to how symptoms present differently in various conditions.
- Understand the patient's perspective: Consider what findings or histories are likely or unlikely based on the condition.
NCLEX-PN candidates should approach their exam preparation with strategy, incorporating practice questions, utilizing resources that offer thorough explanations, and always reflecting on the patient care implications of each question.
Central Nervous System Diseases
The central nervous system (CNS), comprising the brain and spinal cord, is susceptible to a range of diseases that can have profound impacts on health and daily living.
For instance, multiple sclerosis is one of several chronic neurological conditions that highlights the complexity of CNS diseases. In understanding such conditions for the NCLEX-PN or general knowledge, it's key to grasp the underlying mechanisms that lead to symptom development.
By recognizing the patterns of symptoms that are typical of CNS diseases, healthcare providers can better diagnose and manage patient care, which is an essential aspect of the knowledge base for the NCLEX-PN exam.
For instance, multiple sclerosis is one of several chronic neurological conditions that highlights the complexity of CNS diseases. In understanding such conditions for the NCLEX-PN or general knowledge, it's key to grasp the underlying mechanisms that lead to symptom development.
Understanding the Impact:
- In MS, the immune-mediated attack on myelin disrupts neural communication.
- This disruption can lead to symptoms like muscle weakness, numbness, and, notably, visual problems.
By recognizing the patterns of symptoms that are typical of CNS diseases, healthcare providers can better diagnose and manage patient care, which is an essential aspect of the knowledge base for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Chronic Neurological Disorders
Chronic neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis require a nuanced understanding due to their unpredictable nature and varied symptom presentation.
As seen in many chronic conditions, symptoms often evolve and change over time. This aspect is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and manage, as it affects treatment plans and patient quality of life.
Education on these disorders is vital for healthcare professionals, particularly those preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam, so they can provide the best patient care and adapt to the changing needs of individuals with chronic neurological conditions.
As seen in many chronic conditions, symptoms often evolve and change over time. This aspect is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and manage, as it affects treatment plans and patient quality of life.
Key Symptoms to Monitor:
- For MS patients, vision problems such as optic neuritis are telling signs of central nervous system involvement.
- Cognitive changes, while more subtle, can be equally debilitating and are part of the symptom spectrum.
Education on these disorders is vital for healthcare professionals, particularly those preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam, so they can provide the best patient care and adapt to the changing needs of individuals with chronic neurological conditions.