A 75-year-old man finds that he continually misplaces items he uses every day. In addition, his wife becomes annoyed when he asks the same question several times because he does not remember the answer. What advice is the most appropriate for his health care provider to give him?
He has Alzheimer's disease and nothing can be done to help him
Further assessment is needed to determine the cause of these symptoms
Admission to a nursing home for more intensive care is needed.
These symptoms are a normal part of aging and he should accept it.
The Correct Answer is B
A. This is a premature conclusion. While Alzheimer's disease is a possibility, it's essential to rule out other potential causes before making a diagnosis.
B. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of the symptoms, which could be Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, or even treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems.
C. Admission to a nursing home is premature and may not be necessary. The appropriate level of care will depend on the diagnosis and severity of the symptoms.
D. While some memory changes are normal with aging, the described symptoms are more severe than typical age-related forgetfulness. It's important to investigate the cause to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions or cognitive impairments.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. 0.5-1.0 mEq/L is the correct range for the therapeutic levels of lithium. This range is effective for stabilizing mood in conditions like bipolar disorder while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Monitoring within this range helps ensure that the medication is both effective and safe for the patient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulties with daily functioning. However, depression alone might not fully explain the abrupt change if there were no prior context of mood swings or manic behavior.
B. Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme mood swings that include manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. The observed behaviors—active participation and high energy followed by a
sudden shift to tearfulness and withdrawal—are consistent with the mood cycling seen in bipolar disorder. The manic or hypomanic phase could explain the previous high level of activity, while the depressive phase explains the sudden refusal to engage and withdrawal.
C. Psychotic behavior involves a loss of touch with reality, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The behaviors described (active participation and then sudden withdrawal) do not specifically indicate psychosis.
D. Dysthymic disorder (now referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5) is characterized by a chronic, mild depression lasting for at least two years. It typically involves a more consistent, persistent low mood rather than the abrupt shifts seen in bipolar disorder.
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