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 B
Explanation
While addressing self-esteem and positive personality traits is important for overall psychological well-being, it is not the priority during the acute detoxification phase. Ensuring the client's physical safety and stability is the immediate concern.
B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest.
Explanation: The process of detoxification from alcohol can lead to withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be severe and even life-threatening. Adequate hydration is crucial during this period to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can occur due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating associated with withdrawal. Rest is also important to help the client's body recover from the physical stress of withdrawal.
C. Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse.
Education about the consequences of alcohol misuse is important for the client's understanding and motivation for recovery, but this intervention can come after addressing the immediate physical needs of detoxification.
D. Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms.
Addressing denial and defense mechanisms is a critical aspect of therapy for clients with alcohol use disorder, but it might not be the first priority during the detoxification phase. Ensuring the client's physical safety and managing withdrawal symptoms take precedence initially.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
While preventing injury is important, it is not the highest priority when the client's respiratory and neurological functions are compromised. Managing the client's breathing takes precedence.
B. Applying a cooling blanket.
While hyperthermia (high fever) is a symptom of serotonin syndrome, the immediate concern is ensuring the client's breathing and neurological stability. Cooling measures can be beneficial, but they come after addressing the more critical issues.
C. Administering an anticonvulsant.
While anticonvulsants might be used to control seizures, preparing for artificial ventilation takes priority, as the client's airway and oxygenation must be secured before addressing other symptoms.
D. Preparing for artificial ventilation.
Explanation: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the body, often resulting from interactions between medications that affect serotonin levels. Severe manifestations of serotonin syndrome can include high fever, muscle rigidity, agitation, seizures, and even coma. In cases of severe serotonin syndrome, the client's neurological and respiratory functions can be compromised, making it crucial to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation.
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