Which pathophysiologic change is found in the brain tissue of people who have Alzheimer's disease?

Decreased dopamine

Increased glial cells

Increased glutamate

Neurofibrillary tangles

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Dopamine is primarily associated with other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, not Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's disease, the focus is on changes related to beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles rather than alterations in dopamine levels.
B.   Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, play a role in the brain's immune response and support of neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of increased activation and proliferation of glial cells in response to neuroinflammation and the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This reactive gliosis is a secondary response to the underlying pathology.
C.   Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions, including memory and learning. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of dysregulation in glutamate metabolism and

signaling pathways. This dysregulation can lead to excitotoxicity, which contributes to neuronal damage and cell death seen in the disease.
D.   Neurofibrillary tangles are one of the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. These tangles are aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that accumulate inside neurons, disrupting their normal functioning and eventually leading to cell death. Neurofibrillary tangles, along with beta- amyloid plaques, contribute to the progressive cognitive decline observed in Alzheimer's disease.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Cancer cells typically lose their specialized functions and characteristics that normal cells have. This loss of differentiation is known as dedifferentiation, where cancer cells become less specialized and more primitive in nature. This allows them to proliferate rapidly and invade surrounding tissues.
B. Contact inhibition refers to the normal process where cells stop dividing when they come into contact with neighboring cells. In cancer cells, this mechanism is disrupted, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Cancer cells continue to divide and grow even when they are in close contact with other cells, which contributes to tumor formation and progression.
C. Cancer cells often acquire mutations that impair their ability to repair DNA damage effectively. This can lead to an accumulation of genetic mutations over time, which is a hallmark of cancer development. While some cancer cells may still have mechanisms to repair DNA damage, they are often less efficient compared to normal cells, leading to genomic instability and further mutation accumulation.
D. Normal cells follow a tightly regulated cell cycle with specific checkpoints that ensure orderly progression through phases such as G1, S, G2, and M phases. In contrast, cancer cells often have dysregulated cell cycle control. They may bypass checkpoints that normally control cell division, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and growth.

A. Treats hyperlipidemia to reduce the risk of new plaques B. Prevents the formation of clots to reduce the risk of stroke C. Prevents vagal stimulation to reduce e risk of dysrhythmias D. Removes excess sodium to reduce the risk of hypertension

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This statement refers to medications like statins (e.g., rosuvastatin, atorvastatin) which are used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis progression. Docusate sodium does not treat hyperlipidemia or affect plaque formation directly.
B. This refers to anticoagulant medications (e.g., heparin, warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants) which are used to prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of thromboembolic events such as stroke. Docusate sodium does not have anticoagulant properties.
C. After a myocardial infarction (MI), especially in the early recovery phase, vagal stimulation can exacerbate bradycardia or contribute to dysrhythmias. Stool softeners like docusate sodium help prevent constipation, which can stimulate the vagus nerve during straining, potentially leading to vagally mediated dysrhythmias such as bradycardia or atrioventricular blocks.
D. Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) are used to reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure by increasing urine output. Docusate sodium does not remove excess sodium or affect blood pressure regulation.

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Which pathophysiologic change is found in the brain tissue of people who have Alzheimer's disease?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following describes a characteristic of cancer cells?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is discussing the use of docusate sodium (Colace) with a client who is recovering from a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). What is the rationale for administering this medication during the recovery from a myocardial infarction?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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