When caring for a patient with Alzheimer's disease, the nurse would assess the patient for which two common infection-related complications due to chronic dementia?
Endocardial infection
Brain infection
Urinary tract infection
Pneumonia
Gastrointestinal infection
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Endocardial infection is not commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. While it can occur, it is not a frequent infection related to chronic dementia.
Choice B reason: Brain infections, such as encephalitis, can occur but are not among the most common infections seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Choice C reason: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease due to factors such as immobility, incontinence, and the use of catheters. UTIs can exacerbate confusion and other dementia-related symptoms.
Choice D reason: Pneumonia is a common and serious infection in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Due to cognitive impairment, these patients may have difficulty swallowing, leading to aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, their weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Choice E reason: Gastrointestinal infections are not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease as a common complication. While they can occur, they are not as prevalent as UTIs and pneumonia in this patient population.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring the patient for shortness of breath or chest pain during the transfusion is a critical task that requires nursing judgment and immediate intervention if complications arise. It is not appropriate to delegate this task to unlicensed assistive personnel.
Choice B reason: Obtaining the patient's temperature and blood pressure before the transfusion is a task that can be safely delegated to nursing assistants. This task does not require the clinical judgment of a licensed nurse and is within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel.
Choice C reason: Double-checking the product numbers on the PRBCs with the patient ID band is a crucial safety step that must be performed by licensed nursing staff. This task ensures the correct blood product is given to the correct patient and involves verification that cannot be delegated to unlicensed personnel.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the patient about loose stools is important as it can help identify possible causes of fluid and electrolyte imbalances. However, this question alone would not be the immediate or primary action to take in response to generalized weakness.
Choice B reason: Suggesting that the healthcare provider order a basic metabolic panel is the most appropriate action. Potassium-wasting diuretics can lead to hypokalemia, which can cause symptoms like generalized weakness. A basic metabolic panel will provide information on the patient's electrolyte levels, including potassium, and help determine if the weakness is due to an electrolyte imbalance. This allows for appropriate intervention to correct the imbalance and prevent further complications.
Choice C reason: Assessing for facial muscle spasms is relevant because hypokalemia can cause muscle cramps and spasms. However, it does not address the root cause of the weakness and does not lead to immediate intervention.
Choice D reason: Calling for a rapid response team is generally reserved for situations where the patient is experiencing acute, life-threatening symptoms requiring immediate intervention. Generalized weakness in the context of a patient on a potassium-wasting diuretic does not usually necessitate such an urgent response unless it progresses to more severe symptoms.
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