41 Questions
What is the primary function of Riluzole in the treatment of ALS?
Decreases the release of glutamate
What is the typical dosing cycle for Edaravone in the treatment of ALS?
Daily for 14 days, followed by a 14-day drug-free period
What is the primary goal of moderate-intensity exercises in the management of ALS?
To reduce ALS spasticity
What is a key aspect of nursing interventions for ALS patients?
Facilitating communication and reducing aspiration risk
What is an important aspect of emotional support for ALS patients and caregivers?
Discussing advance directives and artificial methods of ventilation
What is a characteristic of the illness trajectory for ALS patients?
The patient is cognitively intact while wasting away
What is the primary function of motor neurons affected in ALS?
Facilitate voluntary muscle movement
What percentage of ALS cases have a known genetic cause?
10%
What is the average lifespan of an ALS patient after diagnosis?
2-5 years
What part of the nervous system is primarily affected in ALS?
Brainstem and spinal cord
What is the former name of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Lou Gehrig's disease
What is the underlying pathology of ALS?
Degeneration of motor neurons
Which of the following signs is more characteristic of upper motor neuron disease?
Increased muscle tone and stiffness
What is the primary focus of the diagnostic tests for ALS?
Neurologic examination and patient history
What is the main benefit of maintaining weight for people living with ALS?
Increased life expectancy
Which of the following is a component of supportive therapy for ALS?
Symptom management and quality of life improvement
What is the primary impact of lower motor neuron disease on muscle tone?
Decreased muscle tone and flaccidity
Which of the following is NOT a sign of upper motor neuron disease?
Muscle weakness and wasting
Which of the following cellular mechanisms contributes to the development of an inflammatory milieu in ALS?
M1 activated microglia's secretion of proinflammatory cytokines
What is a potential environmental risk factor for ALS, particularly for women after menopause?
Smoking
Which of the following is a typical feature of ALS that a neurologist may look for during assessment?
Muscle weakness, often only on one side of the body
What is the potential link between military service and the development of ALS?
All of the above
Which of the following is a consequence of defects in protein degradation pathways in ALS?
Protein aggregate formation and RNA toxicity
Which of the following is a potential consequence of astrocytes' impaired glutamate clearance in ALS?
Neuronal excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction
What is a primary reason people living with ALS require more calories than those without ALS?
Because their metabolic requirements are higher even with reduced physical activity
What is a crucial role of nurses in caring for ALS patients?
Coordinating care and educating patients and families
What is a potential benefit of using a feeding tube for ALS patients?
Helping patients meet their nutrition and hydration needs
What is an essential component of providing adequate care and comfort to ALS patients and their families?
An interprofessional team
What is a potential nursing intervention for ALS patients experiencing muscle weakness?
Decreasing the risk of fall-related injury
What is the primary reason why sensory symptoms are not typical of motor neurone disease?
The motor neurones are affected, but the sensory neurones are not.
Which type of motor neurone disease primarily affects the muscles of talking and swallowing?
Progressive bulbar palsy
What percentage of motor neurone disease cases are inherited?
5-10%
What is a possible risk factor for developing motor neurone disease, in addition to family history?
Smoking and exposure to heavy metals
What is the typical age of onset for motor neurone disease?
60-70 years old
What is the primary feature of the weakness experienced by patients with motor neurone disease?
It is gradual and progressive
What is the primary reason for delayed diagnosis of motor neurone disease?
The need to exclude other conditions with similar symptoms
What is the primary benefit of using Riluzole in the management of ALS?
It slows the progression of the disease and extends survival
What is the primary cause of death in patients with motor neurone disease?
Respiratory failure
What is the primary focus of the management of motor neurone disease?
Supporting the patient and their family
What is the characteristic of muscle tone in upper motor neurone disease?
Increased tone or spasticity
What is the role of multidisciplinary team input in the management of motor neurone disease?
To support and maintain the patient's quality of life
Test your knowledge of the current treatment options for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), including Riluzole and Edaravone, and their effects on the progression of the disease. Learn about the benefits and administration of these medications. Check your understanding of ALS treatment and management.
