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.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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