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. Carbidopa itself does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Its primary role in Sinemet is to inhibit the peripheral breakdown of levodopa (the precursor of dopamine) into dopamine before it reaches the brain.
B. It is true that it may take a few weeks to see the full effects of this medication, as the body needs time to adjust to it.
C. Parkinson's disease is progressive, and as the disease advances, the dosage and frequency of levodopa with carbidopa may need to be adjusted to maintain symptom control. Over time, higher doses or additional medications may be required to manage symptoms effectively.
D. Levodopa does not protect Carbidopa; rather, Carbidopa protects Levodopa from early conversion to dopamine outside the brain, which would make it less effective.

A. The client follows a strict vegetarian diet. B. The client takes rosuvastatin for hyperlipidemia. C. The client takes propranolol for hypertension. D. The client uses acetaminophen for headaches

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A vegetarian diet typically does not directly contribute to bronchoconstriction. In fact, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can be beneficial for respiratory health. Therefore, this option is less likely to be a cause of the client's bronchoconstriction.
B. Rosuvastatin (and other statins) are generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience respiratory side effects, including cough or shortness of breath. However, bronchoconstriction as a direct side effect of statins is uncommon and typically not a primary concern unless there is a rare hypersensitivity reaction.
C. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can lead to bronchoconstriction, particularly in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Beta-blockers can block beta-2 receptors in the lungs, potentially causing constriction of the airways and worsening of respiratory symptoms.
D. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is generally considered safe and does not typically cause bronchoconstriction. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works differently from medications like beta-blockers, which directly affect the airways.

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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

A client with Parkinson's disease is started on Levodopa with Carbidopa (Sinemet). What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is obtaining an admission history on a client who has possible asthma with new-onset wheezing and shortness of breath. Which information may be a cause of the client's bronchoconstriction?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client in an urgent care clinic is complaining of heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows no discernable P-waves, and an irregular ventricular rate. The nurse should understand that this finding represents which of the following conditions?

A nurse is discussing treatments and interventions with a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following would assist in preventing exacerbations?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and a new prescription for riluzole. The nurse understands that this medication works in which of the following ways?

A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?

A nurse is caring for a client who has developed cor pulmonale secondary to an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following manifestations is caused by corpulmonale?

A nurse is providing education to a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and will begin using fluticasone by metered dose inhaler every 12 hours for maintenance. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?