A 72-year-old woman with a longstanding history of alcohol use disorder is admitted to the geriatric behavioral unit. She has retrograde and anterograde amnesia, and she displays confabulation during her psychiatric evaluation. What diagnosis is most appropriate?
Korsakoff's syndrome
Lewy body dementia
Delirium
Kuru
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Korsakoff’s syndrome is a chronic neuropsychiatric condition resulting from thiamine deficiency, most commonly associated with prolonged alcohol use. It is characterized by severe memory impairment, including both retrograde and anterograde amnesia, and confabulation—where the patient fills in memory gaps with fabricated stories. This clinical presentation matches the description provided.
Choice B reason: Lewy body dementia involves fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonian features. It does not typically present with confabulation or the specific memory deficits seen in Korsakoff’s syndrome.
Choice C reason: Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and awareness, often reversible. It does not cause persistent amnesia or confabulation and is not consistent with the chronic nature of this patient’s symptoms.
Choice D reason: Kuru is a rare prion disease historically found in Papua New Guinea, associated with cannibalistic rituals. It presents with tremors and neurodegeneration but is not relevant to this case and does not involve confabulation or alcohol-related pathology.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement reflects the motivational interviewing principle of expressing empathy. It validates the client’s emotional experience and builds rapport but does not focus the conversation on change or the specific issue of cocaine use.
Choice B reason: This statement exemplifies the principle of focusing. It acknowledges the client’s perceived benefits of cocaine use while gently steering the conversation toward exploring the negative consequences. This helps the client begin to consider change by weighing pros and cons.
Choice C reason: This is an open-ended question that aligns with the principle of engaging, not focusing. It invites the client to share but does not direct attention to the specific issue or encourage reflection on change.
Choice D reason: This statement may come across as confrontational or dismissive. It risks eliciting defensiveness and does not align with motivational interviewing principles, which emphasize collaboration and evoking the client’s own motivations for change.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While generalized anxiety disorder is a significant mental health concern, it generally carries a lower immediate risk for suicide compared to specific populations facing acute social rejection, identity crises, or systemic lack of support.
Choice B rationale: A recent breakup is a stressful life event that can trigger emotional distress. However, the absence of depression or other co-occurring mental health symptoms statistically lowers this individual's risk compared to other high-risk groups.
Choice C rationale: LGBTQ+ adolescents, particularly those who have recently come out, face a significantly higher risk of suicide due to potential lack of family acceptance, bullying, and social stigma. This population experiences much higher rates of suicidal ideation.
Choice D rationale: A diagnosis of depression is a major risk factor for suicide. However, statistical data consistently shows that the combination of adolescent development and the stressors associated with identifying as a sexual minority creates an even higher risk profile.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.