Neuropathy Treatment and Diagnosis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which test measures how fast electrical signals travel through a peripheral nerve?
- Nerve conduction study (Correct answer)
- Complete blood count
- Echocardiogram
- Spirometry
Correct answer: Nerve conduction study
A nerve conduction study (NCS) measures the speed and strength of signals traveling along peripheral nerves.
Question 2: Electromyography (EMG) is primarily used to assess the health of which structures?
- Muscles and the nerves controlling them (Correct answer)
- Heart valves
- Kidney tubules
- Lung alveoli
Correct answer: Muscles and the nerves controlling them
EMG evaluates the electrical activity of muscles and the motor nerves that control them.
Question 3: A skin biopsy in neuropathy diagnosis is most useful for evaluating which type of fibers?
- Small nerve fibers (Correct answer)
- Large motor fibers only
- Cardiac muscle fibers
- Bone marrow cells
Correct answer: Small nerve fibers
Skin biopsy quantifies intraepidermal small nerve fiber density, helpful in small fiber neuropathy.
Question 4: Which blood test is commonly ordered to rule out a reversible cause of neuropathy?
- Vitamin B12 level (Correct answer)
- Liver ultrasound
- Bone density scan
- Pulmonary function test
Correct answer: Vitamin B12 level
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common, treatable cause of peripheral neuropathy.
Question 5: A patient with diabetes reporting burning feet should first be evaluated for what underlying driver?
- Poor blood glucose control (Correct answer)
- Excess vitamin C
- High calcium intake
- Low sodium diet
Correct answer: Poor blood glucose control
Chronic hyperglycemia is the leading cause of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and is a key diagnostic focus.
Question 6: Which bedside tool is used to screen for loss of protective sensation in the feet?
- 10-gram monofilament (Correct answer)
- Stethoscope
- Tuning fork at 64 Hz only
- Reflex hammer alone
Correct answer: 10-gram monofilament
The 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test screens for loss of protective sensation, especially in diabetics.
Question 7: What is a key reason to identify the underlying cause before starting neuropathy treatment?
- Treating the cause may halt or reverse nerve damage (Correct answer)
- It is required for insurance only
- Causes never affect treatment
- It speeds up nerve conduction tests
Correct answer: Treating the cause may halt or reverse nerve damage
Addressing the root cause, such as diabetes or B12 deficiency, can stop progression and sometimes reverse symptoms.
Neuropathy Treatment and Diagnosis 2
Which test measures how fast electrical signals travel through a peripheral nerve?