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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. This is not a common symptom of an anxiety attack, although severe stress can sometimes lead to risky behaviors.
B. Decreased perceptions is less characteristic of anxiety attacks and are not typically used as indicators of severity
C. Increased motivation is less characteristic of anxiety attacks and are not typically used as indicators of severity
D. This overwhelming fear can manifest physically in various ways, including but not limited to, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a feeling of loss of control
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Delirium is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and changes in mental status, often occurring over a short period (hours to days). This contrasts with dementia, which has a gradual onset and progressive decline in cognitive function over months or years.
B. In delirium, the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is often affected because cognitive and attentional impairments can interfere with daily functioning. In contrast, early stages of dementia may still allow for relatively intact ADLs, and in depression, ADLs might be affected due to lack of motivation or energy rather than cognitive impairment.
C. Delirium typically involves visible, pronounced cognitive changes and fluctuating levels of awareness and attention. Clients with delirium usually exhibit overt confusion and disorientation. In contrast, in dementia, cognitive changes are progressive and become more apparent over time.
D. An apathetic demeanor or flat affect is more commonly associated with depression, where mood disturbances such as sadness, lack of motivation, and diminished emotional expression are prevalent. Dementia might also involve changes in affect, but apathy and flat affect are not distinguishing features of delirium.
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