Physiological Adaptation Q 3

---

The nurse knows that neurologic complications of multiple myeloma (MM) usually involve which of the following body systems?

  

     A. Brain

     B. Muscle spasm

     C. Renal dysfunction

     D. Myocardial irritability

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Muscle spasm

---

Back pain or paresthesia in the lower extremities may indicate impending spinal cord compression from a spinal tumor. This should be recognized and treated promptly as the progression of the tumor may result in paraplegia.

---

Option A: The reasons underlying the relative paucity of CNS invasion by multiple myeloma in comparison with other tumors, whether solid or hematological, remain unknown, but this phenomenon might be the result of underlying biological characteristics, or lack thereof, of malignant plasma cells.

Option C: In some cases, renal impairment is caused by the accumulation and precipitation of light chains, which form casts in the distal tubules, resulting in renal obstruction.

Option D: Some of the treatments used in MM may also affect cardiovascular health, however, with careful risk assessment, monitoring, and prophylactic therapy, many of these cardiovascular complications can be managed or treated successfully.

---