A 16-Year-Old Boy Is Evaluated for Progressive Gait Instability, Dysmetria

question 48

Multiple Choice

A 16-year-old boy is evaluated for progressive gait instability, dysmetria, and dysarthria for the past several years.  The patient enjoys basketball but can no longer play due to his worsening symptoms.  He is worried as his brother died of a neurologic disease at age 21.  Physical examination of the lower extremities reveals bilateral motor weakness and loss of deep tendon reflexes, joint position, and vibration sense.  MRI of the brain and spine shows degeneration of the posterior columns and spinocerebellar tracts.  Which of the following conditions has clinical manifestations that closely resemble this patient's disease?

• A)Acute intermittent porphyria
• B)Lead intoxication
• C)Poliomyelitis
• D)Prion disease
• E)Thiamine deficiency
• F)Vitamin E deficiency

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Definitions:

Positive Self-concept

The perception of oneself in a positive light, characterized by confidence, high self-esteem, and a belief in one’s abilities and value.

Personality Theorists

Personality theorists are experts or researchers who study and develop theories about human personality traits, behaviors, and psychological processes.

Carl Rogers

An influential American psychologist who founded client-centered therapy and significantly contributed to humanistic psychology.

Empathic

Being capable of recognizing and empathizing with the emotions of someone else.