Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which disease is characterized by abnormal deep tendon reflexes due to neuromuscular junction abnormalities?

1. Multiple sclerosis

2. Myasthenia gravis

3. Cerebritis

4. Syphilis

The correct answer is: Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is characterized by abnormal deep tendon reflexes due to neuromuscular junction abnormalities. In this autoimmune disorder, antibodies are produced that mistakenly attack and disrupt the communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to muscle weakness and fatigue, especially after periods of activity. The reflection of this disruption can manifest in altered deep tendon reflexes, as the muscle's response to stimulation can become impaired. The other conditions listed do not primarily affect the neuromuscular junction in the same manner. Multiple sclerosis involves demyelination of nerve fibers in the central nervous system, affecting motor and sensory pathways but typically does not cause abnormalities specifically at the neuromuscular junction. Cerebritis primarily refers to inflammation of the brain, which may lead to neurological signs but isn’t characterized by changes at the neuromuscular junction. Syphilis can affect the nervous system, potentially leading to neurosyphilis, but it does not specifically result in the neuromuscular junction abnormalities that would influence deep tendon reflexes in the way myasthenia gravis does.