ALS Treatment Options

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the primary function of Riluzole in the treatment of ALS?

Decreases the release of glutamate (correct)

Reverses muscle weakness

Increases motor neuron function

Reduces oxidative stress

What is the typical dosing cycle for Edaravone in the treatment of ALS?

Daily for 10 days, followed by a 10-day drug-free period

Daily for 14 days, followed by a 14-day drug-free period (correct)

Every other day for 10 days, followed by a 10-day drug-free period

Weekly for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week drug-free period

What is the primary goal of moderate-intensity exercises in the management of ALS?

To reduce muscle weakness

To reduce ALS spasticity (correct)

To increase respiratory function

To improve cognitive function

What is a key aspect of nursing interventions for ALS patients?

Facilitating communication and reducing aspiration risk (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of emotional support for ALS patients and caregivers?

Discussing advance directives and artificial methods of ventilation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the illness trajectory for ALS patients?

The patient is cognitively intact while wasting away (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of motor neurons affected in ALS?

Facilitate voluntary muscle movement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of ALS cases have a known genetic cause?

10% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the average lifespan of an ALS patient after diagnosis?

2-5 years (C) Signup and view all the answers

What part of the nervous system is primarily affected in ALS?

Brainstem and spinal cord (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the former name of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

Lou Gehrig's disease (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying pathology of ALS?

Degeneration of motor neurons (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signs is more characteristic of upper motor neuron disease?

Increased muscle tone and stiffness (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the diagnostic tests for ALS?

Neurologic examination and patient history (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of maintaining weight for people living with ALS?

Increased life expectancy (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of supportive therapy for ALS?

Symptom management and quality of life improvement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of lower motor neuron disease on muscle tone?

Decreased muscle tone and flaccidity (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign of upper motor neuron disease?

Muscle weakness and wasting (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cellular mechanisms contributes to the development of an inflammatory milieu in ALS?

M1 activated microglia's secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental risk factor for ALS, particularly for women after menopause?

Smoking (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a typical feature of ALS that a neurologist may look for during assessment?

Muscle weakness, often only on one side of the body (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential link between military service and the development of ALS?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of defects in protein degradation pathways in ALS?

Protein aggregate formation and RNA toxicity (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of astrocytes' impaired glutamate clearance in ALS?

Neuronal excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason people living with ALS require more calories than those without ALS?

Because their metabolic requirements are higher even with reduced physical activity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial role of nurses in caring for ALS patients?

Coordinating care and educating patients and families (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of using a feeding tube for ALS patients?

Helping patients meet their nutrition and hydration needs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of providing adequate care and comfort to ALS patients and their families?

An interprofessional team (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential nursing intervention for ALS patients experiencing muscle weakness?

Decreasing the risk of fall-related injury (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why sensory symptoms are not typical of motor neurone disease?

The motor neurones are affected, but the sensory neurones are not. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of motor neurone disease primarily affects the muscles of talking and swallowing?

Progressive bulbar palsy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of motor neurone disease cases are inherited?

5-10% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible risk factor for developing motor neurone disease, in addition to family history?

Smoking and exposure to heavy metals (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age of onset for motor neurone disease?

60-70 years old (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of the weakness experienced by patients with motor neurone disease?

It is gradual and progressive (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for delayed diagnosis of motor neurone disease?

The need to exclude other conditions with similar symptoms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using Riluzole in the management of ALS?

It slows the progression of the disease and extends survival (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of death in patients with motor neurone disease?

Respiratory failure (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the management of motor neurone disease?

Supporting the patient and their family (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of muscle tone in upper motor neurone disease?

Increased tone or spasticity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of multidisciplinary team input in the management of motor neurone disease?

To support and maintain the patient's quality of life (D) Signup and view all the answers