CHAPTER 22 The Neurologic System

CHAPTER 22 The Neurologic System

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

22.1•Which of the following is the greatest risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease?

1. age
2. genetic predisposition
3. history of previous head injury
4. environmental exposure

Answer: 1

Rationale: Growing older is the greatest risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors also affect the risk. Some genetic mutations on specific chromosomes have been shown to cause Alzheimer’s disease but these genes account for less than 5% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Epidemiological studies have also shown some increased risk related to history of previous head injury.

Diagnosis

Physiological Integrity

Analysis

22.2•Treatments found to reverse the progressive dementia include

1. estrogen therapy.
2. vitamin E.
4. gingko biloba extract.

Answer: 3

Rationale: Currently no treatment has been found to reverse or stop the pathological process in progressive dementia. Studies done on the effect of estrogen in postmenopausal women, vitamin E, and gingko biloba extract have shown some positive results in delaying the progress but nothing has proved conclusively to reverse or stop progressive dementia.

Diagnosis

Physiological Integrity

Analysis

22.3•Cholinesterase inhibitor medications, such as donepezel (Aricept) and galantamine (Reminyl)

1. have positive effects in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. eradicate some of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
3. should be taken on an empty stomach.
4. shorten the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Answer: 1

Rationale: The cholinesterase inhibitor medications, such as donepezel and galantamine, have produced positive effects in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms are not eradicated but progression is slowed and the length of the early stage is extended. These medications should be taken on a full stomach and antiemetic medications may also be needed.

Intervention

Physiological Integrity

Application

22.4•Dementia with Lewy bodies

1. is the same as Alzheimer’s disease.
2. may be confused with states of delirium.
3. is diagnosed by the presence of Lewy bodies on the CT scan of the brain.
4. has abrupt onset with vascular changes visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Answer: 2

Rationale: Dementia with Lewy bodies differs from Alzheimer’s disease and may be confused with delirium because hallucinations occur early in the disease, which progresses over a long period of time to severe dementia. Lewy bodies are not evident on CT scans but are found on autopsies throughout the brainstem, diencephalons, basal ganglia, and neocortex. Vascular dementia has an abrupt onset and vascular changes are evident on MRI.

Assessment

Physiological Integrity

Analysis