Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's

Question 1

Gender (ALS)

Answer 1

Men

Question 2

Prognosis (ALS)

Answer 2

death within 3 years

Question 3

Age (ALS)

Answer 3

40-70

Question 4

rapidly progressive neurologic disorder–> progressive & debilitating muscle weakness; electrical impulses in CNS don’t reach the muscles

Answer 4

Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s)

Question 5

Upper motor neurons (ALS)

Answer 5

hyperreflexia & spasticity

Question 6

Lower motor neurons

Answer 6

hyporeflexia & flaccidity

Question 7

high levels of glutamate

Answer 7

Suspected Cause of ALS

Question 8

Clinical Manifestations (ALS)

Answer 8

Depends on the location of damaged neurons

Question 9

Early Clinical Manifestations (ALS)

Answer 9

muscle weakness and fatigue –> Progressive muscle weakness and atrophy

Question 10

More Advances Clinical Manifestations (ALS)

Answer 10

muscle twitching, spasticity & hyperreflexia
dysphagia, dysarthria
pain, changes in sleep or emotions, drooling depression, constipation reflux
respiratory difficulties

Question 11

In Pt with ALS, what % die d/t respiratory complications

Answer 11

50%

Question 12

EMG (ALS)

Answer 12

slowed transmission

Question 13

Muscle biopsy (ALS)

Answer 13

evaluate for atrophy of fibers

Question 14

Medical Management (ALS)

Answer 14

Symptomatic treatment:
Valium (relax)
Rilutek or riluzole

Question 15

Rilutek or riluzole

Answer 15

glutamate antagonist, helps protect neurons→ extends life

given to pt w/ ALS

Question 16

Home Nursing Care (ALS)

Answer 16

emotional and psychological support–> Allow for grief r/t loss of function/independence & Encourage companionship; provide diversions

Question 17

D/t high risk of respiratory issues pt’s with (ALS) should

Answer 17

*Avoid people who are sick
• May use ventilator @ night to retain E
• Suction, O2

Question 18

Nursing care in the acute care setting (ALS)

Answer 18

Airway maintenance is a priority

ADL’s, Living Will or Advanced Directives