Neuro Disorders

Question 0

What is the Pathophysiology of ALS?

Answer 0

Motor neurons die, and the muscles they serve atrophy. S&S vary by motor neurons affected.

Question 1

What is ALS?

Answer 1

Progressive degeneration and loss of both upper and lower motor neurons leaving mental status intact. It results in degeneration in the Medulla and Spinal Cord.

Question 2

What do you look for in ALS?

Answer 2

▪️Impaired speech
▪️Difficulty chewing and swallowing 
▪️Difficulty breathing 
▪️Depression
▪️Choking
▪️Excessive drooling

Question 3

What diagnostic tests are performed with ALS?

Answer 3

▪️Electromyography and muscle biopsy
▪️Serum creatinine
▪️Pulmonary function tests

Question 4

What medications are used with ALS?

Answer 4

• muscle relaxants; control muscle spasticity; anticholinergic (reduce oral secretions); anti-seizure
• Rilutek (riluzole) effective in the Rx of ALS to extent survival time

Question 5

What are the nursing diagnoses for ALS?

Answer 5

• Impaired physical mobility r/t muscle weakness and atrophy
• Altered nutrition r/t dysphagia
• Impaired gas exchange r/t bulbar and respiratory muscles weakness and inability to clear muscles
• Hoplessness r/t terminal condition

Question 6

What is Guillain-Barré?

Answer 6

•Acute, progressive inflammation and demyelination of nerve endings of the peripheral nervous system

Question 7

What causes Guillain-Barré?

Answer 7

Unknown with possible links to mild viral uri or vaccines.

Question 8

What is the Pathophysiology of Guillain-Barré?

Answer 8

• Acute- occurs and progresses quickly
• myelin is attacked- nerves not damaged, just myelin
• may affect cranial nerves (except I &II)
• cognitive ability intact
• can last months to years
• recovery seen in 80% of causes