Adult Health Nursing Quizlet Final Related

Review Adult Health Nursing Quizlet Final related questions and content

A patient presents with tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. On examination, the patient demonstrates a shuffling gait, stooped posture, and a masked facies. Which of the following neurological conditions is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

  • A. Alzheimer's disease
  • B. Parkinson's disease
  • C. Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • D. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms described in the patient, such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), and postural instability, along with the presence of a shuffling gait, stooped posture, and masked facies, are classic features of Parkinson's disease. These motor symptoms are primarily caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. This results in an imbalance of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, leading to motor dysfunction and characteristic movement abnormalities seen in Parkinson's disease.