A community health nurse is providing teaching to the family of a client who has dementia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse tell the family to expect?
Decreased display of emotions
Forgetfulness gradually progressing to disorientation
Personality traits that are opposite of original traits
Decreased auditory and visual acuity
The Correct Answer is B
A) Decreased display of emotions:
While changes in emotional expression can occur in individuals with dementia, it's not a primary manifestation that is typically emphasized when educating families. Behavioral and psychological symptoms, including changes in emotion and personality, can be seen in dementia, but forgetfulness progressing to disorientation is a more direct and characteristic symptom of the condition.
B) Forgetfulness gradually progressing to disorientation
Explanation:
When educating the family of a client with dementia, the nurse should inform them to expect forgetfulness that gradually progresses to disorientation. Dementia is a progressive cognitive decline that affects memory, thinking, and reasoning. Forgetfulness is often one of the initial symptoms of dementia, and as the condition advances, individuals can become disoriented to time, place, and even people. This progression occurs due to the degeneration of brain cells and the accumulation of abnormal proteins.
C) Personality traits that are opposite of original traits:
Changes in personality traits can indeed occur as a result of dementia, but this may not be the most prominent or early manifestation that the nurse would want to highlight when educating the family. The gradual progression of forgetfulness leading to disorientation is a more specific and foundational aspect of dementia.
D) Decreased auditory and visual acuity:
Decreased sensory acuity, such as auditory and visual acuity, can happen with age and various health conditions, but they are not primary manifestations of dementia. Dementia primarily affects cognitive functions like memory, thinking, and reasoning.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Discuss the problem in a community meeting with the other clients on the unit present.
While open communication and community meetings can be valuable in certain situations, discussing a client's disruptive behavior in front of others may breach their privacy and dignity. It's important to address such matters privately and respectfully.
B. Escort the client to her room each time the nurse observes the client socializing with other clients.
This action might be seen as overly punitive and restrictive. Isolating the client based on their behavior without addressing the underlying issues doesn't promote a therapeutic approach to the situation.
C. Talk to the client and identify the specific limits that are required of the client's behavior.
This is the correct option. Talking to the client directly allows the nurse to address the behavior, express expectations, and set clear boundaries. This approach promotes open communication and gives the client a chance to understand how their actions are affecting others.
D. Tell the other clients to ignore the client's lies.
While it's important to encourage other clients to manage their reactions to disruptive behavior, simply telling them to ignore lies might not address the root cause of the issue. The nurse should aim to address the behavior itself and create an environment where all clients feel respected and safe.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "There really isn't much you can do about that until you are discharged." - This response dismisses the client's feelings and does not offer any support.
B. "You should call your boss and ask if you can have your job back." - This response is directive and may not address the client's emotional needs.
C. "You must feel very concerned and disappointed by that information."
This response shows empathy and acknowledges the client's feelings without making judgments or offering solutions. It validates the client's emotions and opens up a supportive space for further discussion.
D. "I don't understand why your partner would upset you with news like that." - This response may be perceived as judgmental and does not show empathy or understanding.
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