Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
Summer 7-2016
Document Type
Project
Course Number
N5330
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology
Professor’s Name
Dr. John Chovan
Keywords
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, neurodegenerative, pathophysiology, nursing, symptoms
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder affecting an individual’s motor neurons. With a high prevalence affecting people in the United States of America, the progressive disease affects the lives of many. Once a patient is diagnosed, a short survival rate is to be expected. Importance for healthcare workers should be to focus on proper diagnosis, therapeutic communication, and palliative care. The pathophysiology is still under investigation; however, there have been breakthroughs regarding genetic alterations within the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1) and a large repeat on the C9ORF72 gene. By examining the signs and symptoms, doing the appropriate testing for diagnosis, and creating a therapeutic environment to discuss the goals of care with the patients, the quality of life for patient’s diagnosed with ALS will be maximized.
Recommended Citation
Stitzel, Emily, "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" (2016). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 153.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/153