The nurse is caring for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The nurse should realize that the prognosis for this patient is:
1. poor; the disease rapidly progresses and is fatal.
2. good; the disease will progress over many years but the quality of life will be good.
3. good; the disease progresses rapidly but can be halted by drug therapy.
4. excellent; the disease will progress slowly and can be controlled by medication.
Correct Answer: 1
ALS is rapidly progressive and fatal, characterized by weakness and wasting of muscles that are under voluntary control, without any accompanying sensory changes. The prognosis is not good. The quality of life will not be good. A new drug, riluzole (Rilutek), is now available in the treatment of the disease but will not halt it. Death usually occurs due to respiratory failure.
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