A client is newly diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). What instruction should the nurse provide?

Choice A rationale
While tremors and decreased mobility are common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, they are not the most significant impact on a patient’s life. These physical symptoms can be managed with medication and physical therapy.
Choice B rationale
Loss of independence is often the most significant impact on a patient’s life. As the disease progresses, patients may find it increasingly difficult to perform daily activities and may require assistance.

Choice C rationale
Age-related changes can contribute to the progression of Parkinson’s disease, but they are not the most significant impact on a patient’s life. The disease itself, rather than aging, is the primary cause of the symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Neurologic deficits are a result of Parkinson’s disease, but they are not the most significant impact on a patient’s life. The loss of independence that results from these deficits is often more impactful.

Choice A rationale
Postoperative delirium is a common condition that can occur in older patients after surgery, especially major procedures like hip arthroplasty. It is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and altered consciousness. This type of delirium is indeed treatable and most patients’ cognition will return to its previous levels. The treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes, such as pain, medication effects, or metabolic imbalances, and providing supportive care. It’s important for the family to understand that this is a temporary condition and does not indicate a permanent change in their loved one’s mental status.
Choice B rationale
While anesthetics can contribute to postoperative delirium, the condition is usually multifactorial and not solely due to the anesthetic used in surgery. Therefore, administering antidotes to the anesthetic is not typically how postoperative delirium is managed. Instead, the focus is on treating the underlying causes and providing supportive care.
Choice C rationale

Delirium does involve a disturbance in cognition, including memory impairment, but it does not involve a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function. That description is more characteristic of dementia, a different condition. Delirium is typically a temporary condition that improves once the underlying cause is addressed.
Choice D rationale
While postoperative delirium is often self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over time, it is not accurate to say there is nothing to worry about. Postoperative delirium can be distressing for the patient and their family, and in some cases, it can be associated with longer hospital stays and increased morbidity. Therefore, it is a condition that should be taken seriously and managed appropriately.