Multiple Sclerosis

Question 1

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Answer 1

chronic progressive autoimmune disease
characterized by demyelination and axonal nerve damage

Question 2

What is the common age range that MS affects?

Answer 2

20-40

Question 3

How is MS transmitted?

Answer 3

genetics

Question 4

What are the 3 biggest symptoms of MS?

Answer 4

numbness and tingling
walking difficulty
vision problems

Question 5

What kinds of things do you ask about when taking a history for MS diagnoses?

Answer 5

ask about mobility and sensory perception
progression of symptoms
ask about triggers that aggravate the symptoms
personality changes

Question 6

What are some things that can aggravate MS symptoms?

Answer 6

fatigue
stress
overexertion
extreme temperatures
hot shower/bath

Question 7

what assessments should be made for MS?

Answer 7

mental status changes
cognition
bowl and bladder
sexual dysfunction
fatigue level

Question 8

what are some other s/s of MS?

Answer 8

muscle spasticity
fatigue
nystagmus
pain
tremors
Dysarthria
bowl/bladder dysfunction

Question 9

Dysarthria

Answer 9

difficulty speaking

Question 10

dysmetria

Answer 10

inability to direct or limit movement

Question 11

hypoalgesia

Answer 11

decreased sensitivity to pain

Question 12

diplopia

Answer 12

double vison

Question 13

scotomas

Answer 13

changes in peripheral vision

Question 14

tinnitus

Answer 14

ringing in the ears

Question 15

What are the priorities when treating MS?

Answer 15

managing impaired immunity
improving mobility
managing decreased visual acuity and cognition

Question 16

what are some nursing interventions for MS?

Answer 16

teach pts to avoid large crowds and wash hands
administer baclofen
ROM
asses patient’s home before discharge
monitor for dysphagia and dysarthria

Question 17

what is Glatiramer?

Answer 17

a synthetic protein that is similar to myelin based protein
subcutaneous injection

Question 18

what is the patient education for glatiramer?

Answer 18

teach pt to rotate injection sites
avoid crowds and people with infection bc this drug causes bone marrow suppression

Question 19

What can help with diplopia?

Answer 19

eye path that is alternated
scanning techniques
corrective lenses

Question 20

What is the patient teaching when it comes to MS and energy conservation?

Answer 20

take frequent breaks
learn what triggers or exacerbates symptoms

Question 21

True or false: MS has periods of remission.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What complimentary and integrative health therapies can help with MS?

Answer 22

Reflexology
Massage
Yoga
Relaxation and meditation
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy

Question 23

What interprofessional people would you involve in PTs with MS?

Answer 23

PT
OT
Social worker
Psych

Question 24

What are relevant labs/diagnostics that help in diagnosing MS?

Answer 24

Lumbar puncture
elevated WBC and protein in CSF
MRI w/ contrast (presence of plaque)

Question 25

what are the two positions a patient can be in for an LP?

Answer 25

lying position (fetal)
sitting with arms resting on bedside table

Question 26

What are the nursing interventions for impaired cognition?

Answer 26

use a single-date calendar
encourage patients to use written lists or recorded messages
keep frequently used items in familiar places