A nurse is teaching the caregiver of a client who has dementia. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse identify as increasing with the progression of the disorder? (Select All that Apply.)
Hallucinations
Paranoia
Lethargy
Impulsivity
Disregard for caregiver's feelings
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
A. Hallucinations: As dementia progresses, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, sensory perceptions can become distorted, leading to hallucinations, where the person perceives things that are not present.
B. Paranoia: Paranoia, or irrational suspicions and mistrust, often increases as dementia progresses. The person may become increasingly fearful or suspicious of others, even caregivers or family members.
C. Lethargy: While lethargy can be a symptom of dementia, it is more commonly associated with the earlier stages of the disorder when the person may experience apathy, lack of interest, and reduced energy levels. As the disease progresses, other behavioral changes like agitation or restlessness may become more prominent.
D. Impulsivity: Impulsivity, or acting without forethought or consideration of consequences, can increase as dementia progresses, particularly in certain types of dementia like frontotemporal dementia. This can manifest as impulsive behaviors such as excessive spending, inappropriate social behavior, or risky actions.
E. Disregard for caregiver's feelings: As dementia advances, the person's ability to empathize or recognize the feelings and needs of others may decline. They may become increasingly self-focused or unaware of the impact of their actions on caregivers, leading to behaviors that disregard or overlook the caregiver's feelings and well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client has metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities: Metabolic alkalosis and warm extremities are not typically indicative of postoperative shock. Metabolic alkalosis may be caused by excessive vomiting or prolonged gastric suctioning, but it is not a hallmark sign of shock. Warm extremities may suggest adequate peripheral perfusion rather than impaired perfusion seen in shock.
B. The client develops bradycardia and bradypnea: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and bradypnea (slow respiratory rate) may occur as compensatory mechanisms in certain types of shock, such as neurogenic shock. However, they are not specific indicators of postoperative shock. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid respiratory rate) are more common findings in most types of shock, including postoperative shock.
C. The client has hypotension and is confused: Hypotension (low blood pressure) and confusion are classic signs of shock, including postoperative shock. Hypotension indicates inadequate perfusion of vital organs, while confusion may result from cerebral hypoperfusion. Altered mental status, such as confusion, is a significant neurological manifestation of shock.
D. The client has hypertension and anuria: Hypertension (high blood pressure) and anuria (decreased urine output) are not typical manifestations of postoperative shock. Hypertension may occur in certain conditions that can lead to shock, such as septic shock, during the compensatory phase. However, it is not a primary sign of shock. Anuria may occur in cases of severe hypovolemic shock but is not specific to postoperative shock.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Lower blood pressure: Lowering blood pressure may be indicated in certain cases of brain herniation to reduce cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and decrease cerebral blood volume. However, this intervention should be carefully titrated based on the individual client's condition and should not be applied universally as a treatment for brain herniation. In some cases, lowering blood pressure may exacerbate cerebral ischemia and worsen neurological outcomes.
B. Decrease sedation: Reducing sedation may be necessary to allow for neurological assessment and evaluation of the client's neurological status. However, it is not a direct treatment for brain herniation. Sedation may need to be adjusted to facilitate neurological monitoring and assessment of the client's response to treatment interventions. Excessive sedation can obscure neurological signs and symptoms, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing ICP.
C. Hyperventilate the client: Hyperventilation is a potential intervention for managing brain herniation as it helps temporarily lower intracranial pressure (ICP) by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction. By increasing the rate and depth of breathing, hyperventilation reduces the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood, leading to vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels and a decrease in cerebral blood flow. This can help alleviate symptoms associated with increased ICP and reduce the risk of further brain injury.
D. Reduce the temperature in the room: Therapeutic hypothermia may be considered as a treatment option in certain cases of brain injury to reduce metabolic demand, lower ICP, and attenuate secondary brain injury. However, simply reducing the temperature in the room without implementing therapeutic hypothermia protocols is unlikely to effectively manage brain herniation. Therapeutic hypothermia requires careful monitoring and control of the client's body temperature to prevent complications. Additionally, hypothermia alone may not provide immediate relief from increased ICP associated with brain herniation.
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