Question 1

A patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and begins disease modulating therapy (DMT) drugs. As part of the counseling about this therapy, the provider will tell the patient that this regimen will likely result in what outcome?

A) A decreased need for other medications
B) An induced long-term remission
C) A reduction in the exacerbation rate
D) A permanent stop of the disability

C

Accepted Answer

Disease modulating therapy (DMT) drugs do not cure multiple sclerosis, but they are often effective in reducing the number and frequency of relapses (exacerbations). This can result in the slowing of disease progression and less disability over time. However, it is unlikely to induce long-term remission or permanently stop the disability, and the patient may still need other medications to manage symptoms.

Question 2

A patient reports two episodes of visual disturbances and eye pain that lasted 1 to 2 days each about 2 months apart. Which diagnostic testing will the provider order initially?&#10;A) Lumbar puncture&#10;B) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)&#10;C) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)&#10;D) Visual evoked potential

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically the initial diagnostic test ordered for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS), such as episodic visual disturbances and eye pain, which could indicate optic neuritis, a common early sign of MS. MRI can detect demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system, helping in the diagnosis.

Deck 180: Multiple Sclerosis