350 ALS and Huntington's NCLEX Questions

What nursing intervention requires further teaching when caring for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)? A. Guide the patient to perform short, light intensity exercises to reduce spasticity B. Discuss end of life plans with the patient and caregiver C. Provide activities for cognitive stimulation and diversions D. Give pain medications as needed for muscle weakness pain

A. Guide the patient to perform short, light intensity exercises to reduce spasticity

What complications could the nurse anticipate for a patient with Huntington's Disease? Select all that apply. a) Aspiration b) Malnutrition c) Impaired communication d) Injury from falls e) paralysis f) dementia

a) Aspiration b) Malnutrition c) Impaired communication d) Injury from falls

A patient has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease. Based on the characteristics of disease progression, the nurse understands the patient is at risk for which of the following? (Select all that apply). a) Aspiration pneumonia b) Malnutrition c) Tremors at rest d) Suicide attempts e) Falls

a) Aspiration pneumonia b) Malnutrition d) Suicide attempts e) Falls

The nurse is caring for a patient with late stage Huntington's disease. What interventions would the nurse put in place in order to maintain the safety of the client? Select all that apply. a. High fowlers while eating b. Administration of risperidone c. Encouraging activity at rest d. A room close to the nurses station e. Weighted utensils while eating f. Assist when ambulating

a. High fowlers while eating d. A room close to the nurses station f. Assist when ambulating

The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is at the highest risk for developing ALS? a. A 22 year-old female with muscle weakness. b. A 58 year-old white male that has a new onset of stumbling while walking. c. A white, 33-year-old male who is experiencing forgetfulness and uncontrollable movements. d. A 35 year-old black female who has recently experienced trouble typing at work.

b. A 58 year-old white male that has a new onset of stumbling while walking.

If a patient was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease and was presenting with impaired cognition, what would the nurse expect to see during their assessment? Select all that apply. a. Involuntary jerking of the fingers b. Depression c. Nonproductive cough d. Agitation e. Apathy, social withdrawal f. Chorea

b. Depression d. Agitation e. Apathy, social withdrawal

The nurse is educating the patient regarding a new diagnosis of Huntington's disease. Which statement made by the patient indicates the need for further instruction? a. I should consume around 4,000-5,000 calories per day. b. The purpose of therapy and medication is to cure Huntington's disease. c. I will encourage my children to get genetic counseling for the Huntington's disease gene. d. I will notify my healthcare provider if suicidal ideations occur.

b. The purpose of therapy and medication is to cure Huntington's disease.

A patient with Huntington's disease is preparing for discharge. The nurse knows the patient understands his home diet regimen when he verbalizes which of the following statements? a. "I need to limit the number of snacks I consume during the day." b. "It is not necessary to thicken my food." c. "I should include foods like eggs, yogurt, and avocados in my diet." d. "I need to consume between 2,000-2,500 calories per day.

c. "I should include foods like eggs, yogurt, and avocados in my diet."

A nurse just received report on her 4 patients for the day. Which patient is highest priority for the nurse to assess first? a. 45-year-old male with a family history of Huntington's Disease presenting with chorea, worsening depression, and a cough. b. 35-year-old female with a diagnosis of ALS complaining of insomnia, frequent mood changes, and dropping things more often. c. 55-year-old male with a diagnosis of Huntington's Disease presenting with new onset symptoms of SOB, fever, changes in mental status, and rust colored sputum. d. 70-year-old male with ALS complaining of increasing pain, muscles weakness, and esophageal reflux.

c. 55-year-old male with a diagnosis of Huntington's Disease presenting with new onset symptoms of SOB, fever, changes in mental status, and rust colored sputum.

The nurse is caring for a patient with Huntington's Disease. When assessing the patient for complications with Huntington's disease, what might they find? a. Altered Gait b. Increase in chorea c. Aspiration d. Increase in anxiety and agitation

c. Aspiration

A patient with Huntington's Disease is preparing for discharge. Which patient statement would indicate to the nurse that the teaching was effective? a. I will make sure to take my inhaler every day at the same time b. I will only have this disease for a few more weeks c. I should go on walks and play crossword puzzles d. I will eat granola for breakfast every day

c. I should go on walks and play crossword puzzles

Which patient statement made to the nurse indicates that further education is needed regarding their diagnosis of ALS? a) Doing endurance exercises will help reduce my muscle spasticity b) I will experience some level of speaking difficulties c) Classic signs include progressive muscle weakness and atrophy d) There is a cure for my diagnosis of ALS

d) There is a cure for my diagnosis of ALS