ALS

Question 1

cause

Answer 1

unknown

Question 2

what age do symptoms normally develop

Answer 2

50+

Question 3

which gender is more affected

Answer 3

men

Question 4

infects voluntary or involuntary muscle control?

Answer 4

voluntary

Question 5

does it affect senses or ability to think?

Answer 5

NO

Question 6

affects _________ and ________

Answer 6

diaphragm , chest wall

Question 7

manifestations

Answer 7

-muscle cramps, stiffness, weakness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing
-spasticity
-flaccidity

Question 8

clinical manifestations

Answer 8

-fatigue while talking
-tongue atrophy
-dysphagia
-dysarthria
-nasal quality of speech
-fasciculation of face
-weakness of arms, hands
-spasicity
-muscle atrophy
-muscle resp. involvement

Question 9

can a single test be used to diagnose?

Answer 9

no

Question 9

how to diagnose?

Answer 9

-symptoms
-EMG and nerve conduction studies
-CT scan and/or MRI of neck and head
-lumbar puncture
-genetic testing
-swallow studies

Question 10

riluzole was the 1st drug approved to

Answer 10

slow progression

Question 11

riluzole delays need for

Answer 11

trach by 3-6 months

Question 12

MOA of riluzole

Answer 12

reduces damage to motor neurons

Question 13

ALS complications

Answer 13

-aspiration
-resp. failure
-pneumonia
-pressure ulcers
-DVT
-PE
-constipation, contractures
-depression, weight loss
-loss of ability for self care

Question 14

nursing diagnosis

Answer 14

-ineffective airway clearance
-ineffective breathing patterns
-potential for injury
-impaired oral communication
-ineffective coping