Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Motor neuron death, mind intact
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Physiological Adaptation
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- Upper + lower motor neuron loss
- Progressive, fatal, no cure
- Cognition/senses stay intact
- Progressive muscle weakness/atrophy
- Fasciculations, spasticity, cramps
- Dysphagia, dysarthria late
- Riluzole slows progression
- Aspiration precautions, PEG tube
- Communication aids, support
- Resp failure = #1 death cause
- Discuss advance directives early
✨Quick Tip
Progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, fasciculations (twitching), and spasticity occur as motor neurons die.
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