A 39 y.o. homemaker sees her physician after she falls twice for seemingly no reason. Diagnostic tests are done, and she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which of the ff. explanations will help her understand her disease?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D, "The insulation on your nerve cells is damaged, which slows the impulses to the muscles," is the most accurate explanation for multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, leading to various symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination problems, and balance issues. By understanding that the insulation on her nerve cells is damaged, the patient can better comprehend why she is experiencing symptoms like muscle weakness and falls.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Caput succedaneum is the vaguely outlined area of edematous tissue situated over the portion of the scalp that presents in a vertex delivery. It is often caused by pressure from the vaginal wall during labor. This condition does not involve the calvarial bone and typically resolves on its own within a few days after birth. Hydrocephalus refers to the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, which can result in an enlarged head circumference. Cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the periosteum and the skull bone, usually occurring after birth trauma. Subdural hematoma is bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater surrounding the brain and is typically seen in traumatic head injuries.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When performing perineal care on an uncircumcised male patient, it is important to replace the foreskin over the head of the penis after washing. The foreskin should not be left retracted or pulled back forcibly as it can cause irritation and discomfort to the patient. Leaving the foreskin retracted can also lead to potential complications such as paraphimosis, where the foreskin becomes trapped behind the head of the penis. Proper hygiene involves gently retracting the foreskin to clean underneath it and then returning it to its natural position to protect the sensitive glans penis. Using gentle, warm water with mild soap is typically sufficient for cleaning, and alcohol should be avoided as it can cause irritation and dryness to the sensitive genital area.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: AFP levels typically normalize by around one year of age.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they can't be seen, heard, or touched. When an infant actively searches for a hidden object, it demonstrates that the infant has developed object permanence. This behavior implies that the infant understands that the object still exists even though it is temporarily out of sight. This usually emerges around 8-12 months of age, according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development. The other choices do not specifically relate to the concept of object permanence as directly as actively searching for a hidden object does.