Patho 1350 Midterm Exam Review

Scenario:
A 70-year-old patient demonstrates a stooped posture, shuffling gait, and resting tremor that decreases with voluntary movement.

Question:
What is the PRIMARY neuropathological change responsible for these symptoms?

• Demyelination of corticospinal tracts

• Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra

• Autoimmune destruction of acetylcholine receptors

• Degeneration of motor neurons in the anterior horn

Scenario:
A 32-year-old female hair stylist reports intermittent numbness, tingling, and weakness in her right arm, especially when reaching overhead. Adson’s test is positive.

Question:
Which structure is MOST commonly compressed in this condition?

• Ulnar nerve at Guyon's tunnel

• Subclavian artery and brachial plexus

• Median nerve at the carpal tunnel

• Radial nerve at the spiral groove

Scenario:
A 78-year-old patient with Alzheimer's has progressive short-term memory loss, disorientation, and difficulty performing familiar tasks. Which of the following would be the BEST for this patient?

• Easy strengthening and stretching exercises only to maintain ROM and strength

• Provide energy conservation techniques and new assistive devices for balance deficits to prevent falls

• Keep instructions simple, clear and concise and use simple exercises

• Giving multiple-step commands for each task to progress cognition

Question:
A patient demonstrates constant progressive weakness, hyperreflexia, and spasticity without sensory loss, eventually affecting respiratory muscles. Which diagnosis is MOST consistent with these findings?

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome

• ALS

• Huntington's Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

Scenario:
A 70-year-old male experiences sudden weakness on the left side and loss of coordination. He demonstrates impulsivity, poor judgment, and difficulty recognizing safety hazards.

Question:
Which cerebral artery and hemisphere are MOST likely affected?

• R Middle cerebral artery

• Left middle cerebral artery

• Basilar artery in the cerebellum

• Subclavian artery on the left

Scenario:
A 41-year-old female with a family history of movement disorders develops rapid, jerky involuntary movements and emotional outbursts. MRI reveals atrophy of the caudate nucleus. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• ALS

• Alzheimer's

• Parkinson's Disease

• Huntington's Disease

Scenario:
A patient with a complete spinal cord injury at T12 presents with flaccid paralysis, absent reflexes and absent sensation immediately following trauma. Several weeks later, tone increases and reflexes return.

Question:
Which term BEST describes the period of initial flaccidity following injury?

• Brown-sequard syndrome

• Autonomic Dysreflexia

• Spinal Shock

• Lower Motor Neuron primary injury

Scenario:
A 74-year-old patient in stage 4 Parkinson’s disease demonstrates marked rigidity, difficulty turning, and frequent freezing episodes.

Question:
Which secondary complication should the PTA monitor MOST closely?

• Orthostatic hypotension and falls

• Seizure activity due to cortical hyperexcitability

• Respiratory failure from diaphragm paralysis

• Visual field deficits from optic nerve damage

Scenario:
A patient with a T4 complete spinal cord injury suddenly reports severe headache, sweating, and goosebumps above the level of injury during catheterization.

Question:
Which of the following is likely causing this emergency?

• Postural hypotension

• Autonomic dysreflexia

• Spinal shock

• Neurogenic shock

Scenario:
A 42-year-old male reports progressive weakness in both legs that began 5 days ago following a respiratory infection. The weakness has now spread to his arms, and he reports tingling in his hands and feet.

Question:
Which of the following best describes the underlying pathophysiology of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

• Autoimmune destruction of oligodendrocytes in the CNS

• Genetic mutation leading to abnormal dopamine metabolism

• Autoimmune demyelination of the peripheral nerves

• Degeneration of anterior horn motor neurons