Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Patients with post-polio syndrome typically experience what type of recovery from their initial illness?

1. Poor recovery

2. Normal or good recovery

3. Gradual deterioration

4. Partial recovery

The correct answer is: Normal or good recovery

Patients with post-polio syndrome often have a history of polio infection during childhood, followed by a period of relative stability and improvement in function as they recover from the initial illness. This recovery usually leads to normal or good functionality, which can be misleading because many may assume that once they recover, they are free from issues. However, as time progresses, individuals may experience new muscle weakness and fatigue, but the initial recovery phase is characterized by significant improvement. The notion that these patients typically have a normal or good recovery is crucial to understanding the trajectory of the disease. After the initial polio infection, they may experience a range of symptoms that respond well to rehabilitation and therapy, resulting in a perceived return to normalcy. The later development of post-polio syndrome reflects a complex interplay of factors, including the aging process and the long-term effects of the virus on motor neurons. This makes it vital for healthcare providers to recognize the distinction between initial recovery and the subsequent onset of post-polio syndrome that can affect patients many years later.