A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is receiving treatment with methylprednisolone during an acute exacerbation. Which of the following is the expected therapeutic effect of this treatment?
Reduction of inflammation and suppression of the immune responses
Stimulation of nerve regeneration
Improvement in cognitive function
Increase in muscle strength and coordination
The Correct Answer is A
A. Reduction of inflammation and suppression of immune responses. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses immune responses, which can help manage the acute exacerbations of MS.
B. Stimulation of nerve regeneration. Methylprednisolone does not stimulate nerve regeneration; it focuses on reducing inflammation.
C. Improvement in cognitive function. Cognitive improvement is not a primary goal of methylprednisolone in MS management, though reducing inflammation may indirectly benefit cognition.
D. Increase in muscle strength and coordination. While reducing inflammation can improve symptoms, methylprednisolone itself does not directly increase muscle strength or coordination.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Increased pulse, respirations and blood pressure with dysphagia and respiratory distress. A myasthenic crisis is characterized by severe muscle weakness that can lead to respiratory failure, dysphagia, and increased vital signs due to the stress of respiratory distress.
B. Hypotension, diarrhea, and increased salivation. These symptoms are more indicative of a cholinergic crisis, which is due to excess acetylcholine.
C. Bradycardia and hypothermia. Bradycardia and hypothermia are not characteristic signs of a myasthenic crisis.
D. Tachypnea and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes. While tachypnea can occur in respiratory distress, hyperactive reflexes are not typical in myasthenic crisis, as it involves neuromuscular weakness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administering mannitol intravenously: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps reduce ICP by drawing fluid out of brain tissue and decreasing cerebral edema, making it a priority intervention.
B. Encouraging the patient to hyperventilate: Controlled hyperventilation may reduce ICP temporarily by lowering CO₂ levels and causing cerebral vasoconstriction. However, it should only be done cautiously under close monitoring, and other ICP management techniques like mannitol administration take priority.
C. Administering a high-dose corticosteroid: Corticosteroids are generally ineffective for reducing ICP in traumatic brain injury and are typically not recommended in this scenario.
D. Performing a lumbar puncture immediately: Lumbar puncture is contraindicated in cases of increased ICP because it may lead to brain herniation due to the sudden release of pressure.