A Patient Is Admitted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

question 40

Multiple Choice

A patient is admitted with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) .Which classic assessment findings will support the diagnosis of ALS?

• A) Progressive dementia
• B) Muscle weakness and atrophy
• C) Severe paresthesias
• D) Autonomic dysfunctions

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Definitions:

Gap Junctions

Specialized intercellular connections between a multitude of animal cell-types that directly connect the cytoplasms of two cells, allowing various molecules, ions, and electrical impulses to directly pass through a regulated gate between cells.

Cardiac Muscle Cell

Specialized muscle cells found only in the heart, featuring unique properties such as automaticity and the ability to contract as a unit.

Electrical Resistance

A measure of the degree to which an object opposes the passage of an electric current.

Ventricular Contraction

This refers to the phase in the cardiac cycle where the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) contract to pump blood out to the body and lungs.