Neurodegenerative Disorders Nursing Flashcards

The Uhthoff phenomenon in multiple sclerosis refers to:

Answer: Temporary worsening of neurological symptoms with increased body temperature

The Uhthoff phenomenon is the temporary worsening of MS symptoms that occurs with a rise in body temperature, due to impaired conduction in already-demyelinated nerve fibers.

A patient with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-levodopa. Which nursing teaching point is MOST important?

Answer: Avoid taking the medication within 30–60 minutes of a high-protein meal

High-protein meals compete with levodopa for intestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier transport via large neutral amino acid carriers, reducing therapeutic efficacy.

When assessing a patient with ALS for respiratory compromise, which measurement is MOST critical for determining the need for ventilatory support?

Answer: Forced vital capacity (FVC)

Forced vital capacity (FVC) is the most sensitive early indicator of respiratory muscle weakness in ALS; an FVC below 50% predicted typically prompts discussion of non-invasive ventilatory support.

Which symptom is typically the FIRST neurological manifestation of multiple sclerosis?

Answer: Optic neuritis causing painful unilateral visual loss

Optic neuritis, presenting as painful monocular visual loss with color desaturation, is one of the most common initial presentations of MS and often the first demyelinating event.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is distinguished from Alzheimer's disease primarily by the presence of:

Answer: Fluctuating cognition with recurrent vivid visual hallucinations and parkinsonism

DLB is characterized by the triad of fluctuating cognition, vivid recurrent visual hallucinations, and spontaneous parkinsonism — features that distinguish it from Alzheimer's disease.

A patient with Parkinson's disease reports difficulty swallowing. Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Thicken liquids to nectar consistency and refer to speech-language pathology

Thickened liquids reduce aspiration risk in Parkinson's-related dysphagia, and speech-language pathology referral provides individualized swallowing assessment and safe diet recommendations.

In Guillain-Barré syndrome, which pattern of weakness is MOST characteristic?

Answer: Ascending symmetrical weakness beginning in the legs and progressing upward

Guillain-Barré syndrome classically presents with ascending symmetrical weakness starting in the lower extremities and progressing upward, potentially reaching the respiratory muscles.