A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is choice d. Increasingly severe headache.

Choice A rationale:

Tachycardia is not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In fact, bradycardia (a slower heart rate) is more commonly seen as part of Cushing’s triad, which indicates increased ICP.

Choice B rationale:

Hypotension is not a common sign of increased ICP. Instead, hypertension (high blood pressure) is often observed as the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure.

Choice C rationale:

Narrowed pulse pressure is not a typical indicator of increased ICP. Widened pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is more commonly associated with increased ICP.

Choice D rationale:

Increasingly severe headache is a classic symptom of increased ICP. As pressure within the skull rises, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, making this a key indicator to monitor in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Choice A rationale:

Improved short-term memory. Donepezil is a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that are involved in memory, thinking, and reasoning. Therefore, improved short-term memory is an indication that the medication is effective, as it suggests enhanced cognitive function in the client.

Choice B rationale:

Enhanced mood. While improved mood can be a positive outcome of treating dementia, it is not the primary goal of donepezil therapy. The main focus is on cognitive improvement, particularly in memory and thinking skills. Enhanced mood alone may not be a reliable indicator of the medication's effectiveness in this context.

Choice C rationale:

Can perform ADLs independently. The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently is an important aspect of a patient's overall well-being. However, this improvement may not solely be attributed to the effects of donepezil. Other factors, such as rehabilitation or support services, can also contribute to the patient's ability to perform ADLs. While it is a positive outcome, it is not a specific indication of donepezil's effectiveness.

Choice D rationale:

Increased food intake. Increased food intake is not a direct effect of donepezil. Donepezil does not have a primary role in regulating appetite or food intake. Therefore, this finding is not a reliable indicator of the medication's effectiveness in treating dementia.