Neurodegenerative Disorders Nursing Flashcards

A nurse is teaching a patient with MS about fatigue management. Which strategy is MOST evidence-based?

Answer: Schedule activities during peak energy periods and incorporate planned rest breaks

Energy conservation through activity pacing — scheduling tasks during peak energy periods and incorporating planned rest — is the core evidence-based strategy for managing MS-related fatigue.

A patient with Parkinson's disease is evaluated for deep brain stimulation (DBS). Which symptom responds BEST to DBS therapy?

Answer: Motor fluctuations and levodopa-induced dyskinesias

DBS of the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus interna most effectively reduces motor fluctuations ('off' periods) and levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease.

A patient with ALS is admitted with declining respiratory status. Which finding MOST urgently requires intervention?

Answer: Morning headaches, frequent nighttime awakenings, and orthopnea

Morning headaches, nighttime awakenings, and orthopnea indicate nocturnal hypoventilation in ALS, signaling significant respiratory muscle weakness that requires urgent evaluation for non-invasive ventilation.

When communicating with a patient in the moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease, which nursing approach is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Use simple short sentences, maintain eye contact, and speak in a calm tone

Simple, clear communication with calm tone and eye contact reduces confusion and agitation in moderate Alzheimer's disease while supporting the patient's remaining communication abilities.

A nurse caring for a patient with advanced Parkinson's disease observes excessive drooling (sialorrhea). This is BEST explained by:

Answer: Impaired automatic swallowing frequency due to bradykinesia

Sialorrhea in Parkinson's disease results from impaired and infrequent automatic swallowing due to bradykinesia — saliva production is not increased, but clearance is reduced.

Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) finding is characteristically associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Answer: Elevated protein with normal or near-normal cell count (albuminocytological dissociation)

The classic CSF finding in Guillain-Barré syndrome is albuminocytological dissociation — elevated protein without a corresponding increase in white blood cells, reflecting demyelination without significant inflammation.

A patient with ALS is experiencing progressive dysarthria. Which augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention should the nurse PRIORITIZE?

Answer: Introduce AAC devices early while the patient can still provide input on communication preferences

AAC devices should be introduced early in ALS while the patient retains sufficient motor function to learn the system and actively participate in selecting preferred communication methods.