When providing community healthcare teaching regarding the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, which signs should the nurse advise family members to report (Select all that apply)?

The correct answer is choice C. Pseudoparkinsonism.

Choice A rationale:

Tardive dyskinesia is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, often around the mouth, such as lip-smacking, tongue protrusion, and chewing movements. It does not typically present with impaired gait and tremors.

Choice B rationale:

Acute dystonia involves sudden, severe muscle contractions, often affecting the neck, face, and back. Symptoms include twisting movements and abnormal postures, but it does not usually cause impaired gait and tremors.

Choice C rationale:

Pseudoparkinsonism is an adverse effect of antipsychotic medications that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, tremors, and postural instability. The impaired gait and uncontrollable tremors observed by the nurse are characteristic signs of pseudoparkinsonism.

Choice D rationale:

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications. It presents with symptoms such as high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction (e.g., unstable blood pressure, sweating). It does not typically present with impaired gait and tremors.

The correct answer is choice B: "I am powerless against my addiction to alcohol."

Choice B rationale:

This statement reflects an understanding of one of the fundamental principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which is the acknowledgment of powerlessness over alcohol. The concept of powerlessness is a cornerstone of the 12-step program and encourages individuals to recognize that attempting to control their addiction often leads to negative consequences. This admission is crucial for clients in recovery, as it opens the door to seeking support and relying on the fellowship and guidance of AA.

Choice A rationale:

While identifying triggers for alcoholism is important, this statement does not directly capture the essence of AA's principle. The focus on identifying causes does not fully encompass the concept of powerlessness over the addiction.

Choice C rationale:

Responsibility for one's alcoholism is not a core principle of AA. Instead, the program encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and their commitment to recovery, but not for causing their addiction in the first place.

Choice D rationale:

AA is a peer support program that emphasizes personal responsibility and self-accountability. While counseling might be beneficial, the statement implies external responsibility for recovery, which contradicts the self-help nature of AA.