Page 2032 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

5. Possible progression to respiratory failure

6. Cardiac dysrhythmias
7. CSF that reveals an elevated protein level
8. Abnormal electroencephalogram
C. Interventions
1. Care is directed toward the treatment of symptoms,
including pain management.
2. Monitor respiratory status closely.
3. Provide respiratory treatments.

4. Prepare to initiate respiratory support.

5. Monitor cardiac status.
6. Assess for complications of immobility.
7. Provide the client and family with support.
XVII. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
A. Description
1. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
2. It is a progressive degenerative disease involving the
motor system.
3. The sensory and autonomic systems are not involved,
and mental status changes do not result from the
disease.
4. The cause of the disease may be related to an excess of
glutamate, a chemical responsible for relaying
messages between the motor neurons.
5. As the disease progresses, muscle weakness and
atrophy develop until a flaccid tetraplegia develops.

6. Eventually, the respiratory muscles become

affected, leading to respiratory compromise,
pneumonia, and death.
7. No cure is known, and the treatment is symptomatic.
B. Assessment

1. Respiratory difficulty

2. Fatigue while talking
3. Muscle weakness and atrophy
4. Tongue atrophy
5. Dysphagia
6. Weakness of the hands and arms
7. Fasciculations of the face
8. Nasal quality of speech
9. Dysarthria

C. Interventions

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