Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
In caring for a client with exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, the nurse recognizes that the exacerbations result in which pathologic change?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by immune-mediated demyelination of CNS axons. Repeated inflammatory attacks lead to plaque formation and progressive scarring (sclerosis) of myelin, impairing nerve conduction. Exacerbations reflect new inflammatory lesions. Vasospasm, receptor destruction, and excitatory excess are not primary mechanisms.