Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which disease may be indicated by the involvement of multiple nerve roots?

1. Seizures

2. Guillain-Barre syndrome

3. Brain tumor

4. Intracranial hypertension

The correct answer is: Guillain-Barre syndrome

The involvement of multiple nerve roots is a characteristic feature of Guillain-Barre syndrome. This autoimmune disorder is known for causing rapid-onset muscle weakness, typically beginning in the feet and ascending upwards, which often highlights the involvement of peripheral nerves, including their roots. In Guillain-Barre syndrome, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheaths surrounding peripheral nerves, leading to demyelination and resulting in the distinctive pattern of weakness and sensory changes. The disease typically presents with symptoms such as tingling, muscle weakness, and can progress to paralysis, making it critical to recognize the specific involvement of multiple nerve roots in the clinical assessment. Other conditions listed do not primarily present with multiple nerve root involvement. Seizures are related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain and do not typically connect to nerve root involvement. A brain tumor may cause localized neurological symptoms depending on its location but would not solely point to multiple nerve root involvement. Intracranial hypertension usually results in symptoms related to increased pressure in the skull, which does not specifically relate to nerve root pathology. Thus, Guillain-Barre syndrome is the most accurate choice for indicating multiple nerve roots' involvement.