Exam 1 - Neurosensory - ALS Flashcards
in ALS what system is affected that eventually causes death?
Respiratory - ability to breathe
fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord
Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis
What are some motor changes that occur with ALS?
- Fatigue
- Tongue atrophy
- Weakness of arms and legs
- Beginning atrophy of hands and feet (as it develops, it moves up - ascending degeneration)
- Fasciculations of the face and tongue
- Difficulty controlling crying and laughing
- Stiff or clumsy gait
- Dysphagia
- Dysarthia
- Nasal quality to speech
In ALS what happens when the motor Neurons die?
ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost->atrophy->paralysis->death
How is ALS diagnosed?
- No specific test
- Rule out other causes of motor change
What age group is typically affected by ALS?
40-60
characteristics of ALS?
Progressive weakness, muscle wasting, and spasticity
What are some patient teachings for riluzole?
- Take on empty stomach
- Monitor for liver toxicity - get enzymes drawn - avoid alcohol
- Report fever - risk for neutropenia and infection
What is an important assessment to make as ALS progresses? Which parts?
Muscle atrophy - especially trapezius (back muscle) – and sternocleidomastia (neck control)
What drug is used to assist in ALS treatment? Why?
riluzole - glutamate inhibitor - slows progression of ALS - Glutamate is said to clog up and block neurotransmitters if lack of protein.
Patient teachings about ALS?
- Advance directive
- Palliative care and hospice
- Support groups
- Caregiver strain
