A 36-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated in the Clinic Due to Left

question 655

Multiple Choice

A 36-year-old woman is evaluated in the clinic due to left hand clumsiness.  The patient works as an office secretary and has been having difficulty typing.  Six months ago, she had an episode of vertigo and difficulty walking that improved after several weeks.  The patient also has a history of bipolar disorder and takes valproic acid.  On physical examination, she is asked to close her eyes and stretch out her arms with the palms facing up.  Several seconds later, her left arm involuntarily drifts downward and the palm turns toward the floor.  Which of the following best explains the findings observed in this patient?

• A)Basal ganglia dysfunction
• B)Cerebellar dysfunction
• C)Drug-induced hyperammonemia
• D)Impaired proprioception
• E)Pyramidal tract lesion

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Definitions:

Encoding

The initial process of recording information in a form usable to memory.

Sensory Memory

The shortest-term element of memory, responsible for the ability to momentarily retain impressions of sensory information after the original stimuli have ended.

Working Memory

A brain-based system with restricted storage ability, for the purpose of temporarily maintaining information for processing operations.

Stored Information

Data, knowledge, or facts that have been saved or archived, which can be retrieved and used when needed.