The nurse is providing care for an 82-year-old man whose signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease have worsened over the past several months.
The man states that he can no longer do as many things for himself as he used to be able to. What factor should the nurse recognize as impacting the client’s life most significantly?

Choice A rationale
While participation in multiple-step activities can provide mental stimulation, it may be challenging for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. These activities often require a level of cognitive functioning that may be impaired in Alzheimer’s patients. As a result, these activities could lead to frustration and agitation rather than fostering socialization.
Choice B rationale
Hobbies involving fine motor skills can be beneficial for maintaining dexterity and coordination. However, as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, these skills often decline. Therefore, while these hobbies may be enjoyable, they may not necessarily foster socialization.
Choice C rationale
Limiting visitors to one or two at a time can help to prevent overstimulation, which can be distressing for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Smaller, more intimate gatherings can also foster more meaningful social interactions. Therefore, this approach can be beneficial for promoting socialization.
Choice D rationale
While social interaction is important for people with Alzheimer’s disease, frequent lengthy visits from friends may be overwhelming and lead to fatigue. It’s important to balance socialization with rest and relaxation. Therefore, promoting frequent lengthy visits may not be the best approach to foster socialization.

Choice A rationale
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment. The most common medication used for this condition is acyclovir, which is administered intravenously. Acyclovir works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the infection.
Choice B rationale
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication that is often used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. It is not typically used in the treatment of viral infections such as herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
Choice C rationale
Without specific information about “Medication C”, it’s difficult to provide a rationale.
However, it’s important to note that the treatment of herpes simplex virus encephalitis typically involves antiviral medications, with acyclovir being the most commonly used.
Choice D rationale
Similar to Choice C, without specific information about “Medication D”, providing a rationale is challenging. As mentioned, the standard treatment for herpes simplex virus encephalitis is acyclovir.