A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following treatment options should the nurse include in the teaching?
Initiate hospice care services when the client has 6 months or less to live.
Improve cognitive status with transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Control anxiety with barbiturate medications.
Delay cognitive impairment with NMDA receptor antagonist medications.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Initiating hospice care services is generally considered when the client is in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease and has a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatments. It's an option when the disease has significantly progressed, not typically at the time of initial diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and is being studied as a potential treatment for improving cognitive status in Alzheimer's patients. However, it is not yet a standard treatment and is considered experimental.
Choice C reason: Barbiturate medications are not typically used to control anxiety in Alzheimer's patients due to the risk of dependency and the potential to worsen cognitive impairment. Other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are generally preferred for managing anxiety in these patients⁷.
Choice D reason: NMDA receptor antagonists, such as memantine, are medications that can help delay cognitive symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. They work by regulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, which may be overactive in Alzheimer's disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Hallucinations are a common symptom of schizophrenia and may not require immediate reporting to a provider unless they represent a change from the patient’s baseline or are causing distress.
Choice B Reason: The client’s temperature of 39.4° C (103° F) is significantly higher than the normal body temperature range of 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F). This indicates a fever, which could suggest an infection or another acute health issue that requires immediate attention.
Choice C Reason: While weight gain is a concern for patients with schizophrenia, especially due to the potential side effects of medications like olanzapine, it is not typically an acute issue requiring immediate reporting unless it is rapid and significant, which could indicate other health problems.
Choice D Reason: The client’s blood pressure reading of 128/82 mm Hg falls within the normal range for adults, which is less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal blood pressure. Therefore, it does not need to be reported urgently.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While sharing personal experiences can sometimes help in connecting with the grieving individual, it may also shift the focus away from the partner's feelings to the nurse's own experiences. It's important to keep the conversation centered on the partner's emotions and support needs.
Choice B reason: This response acknowledges the partner's feelings without judgment and opens the door for further conversation. It shows empathy and understanding, which are crucial in providing emotional support to someone who is grieving.
Choice C reason: Suggesting a grief counselor is a practical step, but it might be perceived as dismissive if offered too quickly. It's essential to first establish a supportive dialogue and understand the partner's readiness to seek additional help.
Choice D reason: Telling someone they shouldn't feel guilty can invalidate their feelings. Guilt is a common emotion in the grieving process, and it's important to acknowledge it and provide a safe space for the individual to express their feelings.
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