Once admitted to hospital the physician indicates that Mr. Gubatan is a paraplegic. The family asks the nurse what that means. The nurse explains that:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Paraplegia is a condition characterized by the paralysis of both lower extremities. It does not affect the upper extremities or one side of the body specifically. When someone is described as a paraplegic, it means they have lost function and sensation in their lower limbs, usually due to a spinal cord injury or disease affecting the lower part of the spinal cord. This term helps provide a specific understanding of the type and location of the paralysis in the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: After a seizure has subsided, it is common for the patient to experience restlessness and agitation. This may be due to confusion, disorientation, and fatigue following the seizure. Restlessness and agitation can also be caused by the brain's recovery process and the emotional impact of a seizure episode. It is important to provide a calm and supportive environment for the patient during this time and to ensure their safety until they fully recover from the seizure.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of increased thirst, polyuria, decreased muscle tone, and the lab value of high calcium (8 mg/dl) indicate hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is commonly seen in cancer patients due to cancer metastasis to the bones, leading to the release of calcium. The other electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, and chloride) are within normal range, ruling out other electrolyte imbalances. Multiple myeloma is a common malignancy associated with bone metastases and hypercalcemia. Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include thirst, frequent urination, weakness, confusion, and muscle pain. Treatment of hypercalcemia may involve hydration, loop diuretics, bisphosphonates, and addressing the underlying cause.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Thymectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the thymus gland. The thymus is a key component of the immune system and is believed to play a role in the development of myasthenia gravis (MG). In some cases, particularly in younger patients with early onset MG or with thymoma (a tumor of the thymus), thymectomy can lead to substantial remission of MG symptoms or even a cure. By removing the thymus gland, the abnormal immune response in MG may be reduced, resulting in improved muscle strength and decreased symptoms. It is worth noting that thymectomy is not always indicated for all patients with MG and should be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with a healthcare provider specialized in neuromuscular diseases.

Correct Answer: C

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