A nurse is providing teaching to the partner of a client who has Alzheimer's disease and a new prescription for donepezil. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include?
"You should administer the medication immediately before bedtime."
"The provider will gradually decrease the dose as the disease improves."
"This medication stops the progression of early Alzheimer's disease."
"Your partner is at a decreased risk for falls while taking donepezil."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Donepezil is often administered before bedtime to reduce the risk of nausea, which is a common side effect. Taking it at bedtime can also coincide with the body's natural rest period, potentially minimizing the impact of any side effects.
Choice B reason: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition, and currently, there is no cure. The provider will not decrease the dose as the disease improves because the disease typically worsens over time. Medication management may change, but it is based on symptom control, not improvement of the disease.
Choice C reason: Donepezil does not stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, but it does not cure or halt the disease's progression.
Choice D reason: Donepezil does not decrease the risk of falls. In fact, some of its side effects, such as dizziness, may increase the risk of falls. It is important for caregivers to monitor their partners for such side effects and take precautions to prevent falls.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: An altered level of consciousness is not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease. Patients with Alzheimer's may experience confusion or disorientation, but changes in consciousness, such as stupor or coma, are not characteristic symptoms of the disease.
Choice B reason: Failure to recognize familiar objects, known as agnosia, is a common finding in Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progresses, the ability to recognize objects, faces, and even sounds can be impaired, which is a direct result of the deterioration of brain areas involved in processing sensory information.
Choice C reason: Excessive motor activity is not a common finding in Alzheimer's disease. While patients may experience restlessness, the disease often leads to a decrease in overall activity levels due to cognitive decline and the eventual difficulty with coordination and motor functions.
Choice D reason: Rapid mood swings can occur in Alzheimer's disease, but they are not as prominent as other cognitive symptoms. Mood changes in Alzheimer's are usually a result of the frustration and confusion experienced by the patient rather than a direct symptom of the disease itself.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Telling the client that the symptoms will improve over time without further assessment could be misleading. These symptoms could indicate lithium toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B reason: Lethargy, muscle weakness, and blurred vision can be signs of lithium toxicity. The nurse should recommend blood tests to check lithium levels and kidney function to rule out toxicity.
Choice C reason: Decreasing sodium intake is not recommended without a healthcare provider's advice, as sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body. Sudden changes in sodium intake should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Choice D reason: Continuing the medication as prescribed without addressing the symptoms could be dangerous. The symptoms reported by the client need to be evaluated to ensure they are not due to lithium toxicity.
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