PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

Which finding can a nurse expect in a client undergoing testing for multiple sclerosis?

1. Muscle spasticity

2. Tremors at rest

3. Ptosis

4. Ascending paralysis

The correct answer is: Muscle spasticity

A common finding in a client undergoing testing for multiple sclerosis is muscle spasticity. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, leading to communication problems between the brain and the body. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is spasticity, which is characterized by increased muscle tone and stiffness. This occurs due to damage to the nerve fibers in the central nervous system that disrupt normal muscle control. Muscle spasticity can lead to difficulty with movement and coordination and may vary in severity among individuals with multiple sclerosis. While other symptoms such as tremors, ptosis, or ascending paralysis may be seen in different neurological conditions or in specific cases of multiple sclerosis, spasticity is more directly associated with the typical presentation of this disease, making it an expected finding during evaluation.