ALS Flashcards
1
Q
What is ALS?
A
-Progressive deterioation of motor neurons causing loss of voluntary muscle movement
- Can’t speak, eat, move, breathe
2
Q
What musculoskeletal symptoms come with ALS?
A
- Muscle weakness
- atrophy
- Cramping
- twitching
3
Q
What happens later in ALS what symptoms (think ABC)
A
- Lose ability to breathe
- Dysphagia (Aspiration risk)
4
Q
How to Dx ALS?
A
- Based on clinical symptoms
-ruling out other causes first - NCV or EMG
5
Q
TX
A
- Riluzole slows down progression
- No cure
6
Q
Nursing Priorities/ interventions
A
- Maintain a patent airway!!!
- Monitor for pneumonia and failure
-May require a ventilator - Palliative team consult
