Pediatric NCLEX Questions Related

Review Pediatric NCLEX Questions related questions and content

A 39 y.o. homemaker sees her physician after she falls twice for seemingly no reason. Diagnostic tests are done, and she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which of the ff. explanations will help her understand her disease?

  • A. "You have a build-up of myelin in your nervous system, causing congestion and muscle weakness."
  • B. "You are missing a neurotransmitter that is important to muscle contraction."
  • C. "The receptor sites on your muscles are damaged, so they can't contract correctly."
  • D. "The insulation on your nerve cells is damaged, which slows the impulses to the muscles."
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D, "The insulation on your nerve cells is damaged, which slows the impulses to the muscles," is the most accurate explanation for multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, leading to various symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination problems, and balance issues. By understanding that the insulation on her nerve cells is damaged, the patient can better comprehend why she is experiencing symptoms like muscle weakness and falls.