A 15-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Office by His

question 152

Multiple Choice

A 15-year-old boy is brought to the office by his mother due to difficulty with movement.  The patient enjoys playing high school basketball but had to leave the team this year due to his progressively worsening symptoms.  On examination, he is found to have significant kyphoscoliosis and a high plantar arch.  His older brother suffered from a neurologic disorder and died of heart failure at age 25.  This patient most likely has which of the following neuropathologic findings?

• A)Atrophy of the caudate nucleus
• B)Cerebral cortex atrophy
• C)Degeneration of the spinocerebellar tracts
• D)Demyelination of peripheral nerves
• E)Loss of neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord
• F)Loss of neurons in the substantia nigra

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Definitions:

Diuretic

A substance that increases the production of urine, aiding in the removal of excess fluid from the body.

Antibiotic

A type of medication used to prevent and treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth.

Orientation

The process of familiarizing oneself or others with a new environment, situation, or role.

Retirement

The period of life after leaving one’s job and ceasing to work, often marked by receiving pensions or other retirement savings.