A patient with mild Alzheimer’s disease is prescribed to take galantamine. Which statement best describes how this medication works to treat this disease?
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine.
Decreases amyloid plaques in the brain.
Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Limits neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine.
Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning. By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, galantamine increases the levels of acetylcholine available in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease1. This mechanism of action is crucial because it directly addresses the cholinergic deficit observed in Alzheimer’s disease.
Choice B Reason:
Decreases amyloid plaques in the brain.
This statement is incorrect. Galantamine does not work by decreasing amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, but galantamine’s primary mechanism of action is related to acetylcholine metabolism. Other treatments and research efforts focus on targeting amyloid plaques, but this is not the function of galantamine.
Choice C Reason:
Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain.
While this statement is partially correct, it is not as precise as the correct answer. Galantamine increases acetylcholine levels indirectly by preventing its breakdown rather than directly increasing its production. The distinction is important because the therapeutic approach involves inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing its availability.
Choice D Reason:
Limits neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors.
This statement is incorrect. Limiting neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors is the mechanism of action for a different class of Alzheimer’s medications, such as memantine. Galantamine does not affect NMDA receptors; instead, it enhances cholinergic function by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and potentiating nicotinic receptors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D Reason: 21g 1.5 in (3.8 cm) needle to the right ventrogluteal area. Use Z-track technique.
Choice A Reason:
Using a 23-gauge, 1-inch needle for an intramuscular (IM) injection in the deltoid muscle is generally appropriate for adults. The deltoid muscle is a common site for IM injections, especially for small volumes of medication (up to 2 mL). The acromion process is a correct landmark for locating the deltoid muscle. However, the deltoid muscle is not the best site for larger volumes or more viscous medications. Additionally, the needle length might not be sufficient for individuals with more subcutaneous fat, potentially leading to suboptimal medication delivery.
Choice B Reason:
A 25-gauge, 0.5-inch needle is typically used for subcutaneous injections rather than intramuscular injections. The rectus femoris muscle can be used for IM injections, but it is not the preferred site due to the potential for increased pain and discomfort. Aspiration before injection is a debated practice; current guidelines suggest that aspiration is not necessary for most IM injections, except when injecting into the dorsogluteal site, which is not recommended due to the risk of hitting the sciatic nerve.
Choice C Reason:
A 27-gauge, 1.5-inch needle is appropriate for IM injections, and the vastus lateralis is a suitable site, especially for infants and young children. However, massaging the injection site after administering an IM injection is not recommended. Massaging can cause the medication to disperse into the subcutaneous tissue, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing irritation or bruising.
Choice D Reason:
Using a 21-gauge, 1.5-inch needle for an IM injection in the ventrogluteal area is considered safe and effective. The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections because it is free from major nerves and blood vessels, reducing the risk of injury. The Z-track technique is used to prevent medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue, ensuring that it remains in the muscle for proper absorption. This technique is particularly useful for medications that can stain or irritate the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client’s perception of the event, the availability of supports, and the availability of adequate coping mechanisms.
This is the correct response. A client’s perception of a stressful event plays a crucial role in determining whether they experience a crisis. If the client views the event as overwhelming and beyond their ability to cope, they are more likely to experience a crisis. Additionally, the availability of social supports, such as family, friends, and community resources, can provide emotional and practical assistance, reducing the likelihood of a crisis. Adequate coping mechanisms, such as problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and stress management techniques, also play a significant role in helping the client manage stress effectively.
Choice B Reason:
Previous experiences, the availability of medication, and the desire to cope.
While previous experiences can influence how a client responds to stress, they are not the sole determinants of whether a crisis will occur. The availability of medication can help manage symptoms of stress or anxiety, but it does not address the underlying perception of the event or the availability of supports. The desire to cope is important, but without adequate coping mechanisms and support, it may not be sufficient to prevent a crisis.
Choice C Reason:
Faith in the psychiatrist, the availability of financial resources, and previous level of functioning.
Faith in the psychiatrist and the availability of financial resources can provide some support, but they do not directly address the client’s perception of the event or their coping mechanisms. Previous level of functioning is important, but it is not the primary factor in determining whether a crisis will occur. The client’s current perception and available supports are more critical in this context.
Choice D Reason:
The time of day, the client’s mood, and the availability of escape from the situation.
The time of day and the client’s mood can influence their immediate response to stress, but they are not the primary determinants of whether a crisis will occur. The availability of escape from the situation may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying perception of the event or the availability of supports and coping mechanisms.
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