When administering the Mini-Cog exam to a patient with possible Alzheimer's disease, which action will the nurse take?

Choice A Rationale: hyperextension is when the neck is bent backward beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen in a rear-end collision or a fall on the back of the head.

Choice B Rationale: A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the surrounding structures, such as the vertebrae, ligaments, or discs. The most common cause of spinal cord injury is trauma, which can result from direct impact, penetration, or excessive force on the spine. Diving into shallow water can cause compression of the spine, which means that the vertebrae are pushed together and squeeze the spinal cord. This can damage the nerve fibers and disrupt the communicationbetween the brain and the body. Compression injuries can affect any part of the spine, but are more common in the cervical and thoracic regions.

Choice C Rationale: flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time. This can happen in a sports injury or a violent assault.

Choice D Rationale: This is when the neck is bent forward beyond its normal range of motion. This can cause the posterior part of the vertebral column to compress and fracture, while the anterior part of the spinal cord is stretched and injured. This can happen in a head-on collision or a fall on the face. A flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time.

Choice A Rationale: Asking the spouse what she knows about dementia care options is a good starting point to assess her knowledge and provide information and resources, and empowering her to make informed decisions.

Choice B Rationale: Suggesting placement into a long-term care facility should not be the first option but can be explored if necessary, based on the client's condition and the caregiver's needs.

Choice C Rationale: Teaching the spouse about adult day care as a possible respite is a way of offering support and relief for the caregiver, who may experience stress and burnout from the constant demands of caring for a patient with AD.

Choice D Rationale: Suggesting that the spouse consult with the physician for antianxiety drugs is not helpful, as it may imply that the spouse's feelings are abnormal or that she needs medication to cope.

Choice E Rationale: Offering ideas for ways to distract or redirect the patient is not relevant to the spouse's needs, as it does not address her exhaustion and worry.