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

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should instruct the assistive personnel (AP) to report the client who has a prescription for compression stockings but did not receive them. This situation involves a missed intervention that is crucial for the client's health and safety. Reporting this to the nurse allows timely intervention and ensures that the client receives the necessary care.

Choice B rationale:

Consuming all the food from the meal tray is not a cause for concern and does not require immediate reporting to the nurse. It is a normal behavior and does not indicate any potential issues with the client's health or safety.

Choice C rationale:

The client's request to sit in the bedside chair while watching TV is a common and appropriate request. It does not pose any risk to the client's health or safety and does not require immediate reporting to the nurse.

Choice D rationale:

A client requesting assistance to use the bedside commode indicates a need for assistance with a basic activity of daily living. The AP should assist the client with this request as appropriate and does not need to report it to the nurse unless complications or concerns arise during the process.

Choice A rationale:

An altered level of consciousness is a common finding in clients with Alzheimer's disease. This may range from mild confusion to severe cognitive impairment. It is caused by the degeneration of brain cells and affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Choice B rationale:

Rapid mood swings are not specific to Alzheimer's disease. While mood changes can occur, they are not typically characterized by rapid swings. Mood disturbances may include depression, apathy, or irritability, but these symptoms are not unique to Alzheimer's disease.

Choice C rationale:

Excessive motor activity is not a typical finding in clients with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, clients often experience a decline in motor skills and coordination as the disease progresses. Restlessness or agitation might occur, but excessive motor activity is not a characteristic feature.

Choice D rationale:

Failure to recognize familiar objects, people, or places is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. This is due to the damage and loss of nerve cells in the brain. As the disease advances, clients may have difficulty recognizing even close family members or their own reflection in the mirror.