A 79-year-old white man tells a visiting nurse, "I've been feeling sad lately. My family and friends are all dead. My money is running out, and my health is failing How should the nurse analyze this comment?

A. "If you are educated and have money, abuse does not happen" is a myth and a misconception about domestic violence. Abuse can occur in any relationship, regardless of socio-economic status, education, or wealth. Domestic violence can affect individuals of all backgrounds, including those who are educated or financially secure. This statement indicates a lack of understanding about the widespread nature of abuse, so further teaching is needed.
B. "Abusers are often excessively jealous and possessive" is a true statement. Many abusers exhibit controlling behavior, which can include jealousy and possessiveness. This is a common characteristic of abusive relationships.
C. "Violence often begins in a dating relationship" is also true. Domestic violence can begin in dating relationships, and early signs of abuse can include controlling behavior, verbal abuse, or physical aggression. Early education on this issue can help prevent future violence.
D. "The abuser will often apologize and promise to stop" is a true statement. Many abusers apologize after an incident and promise that it won’t happen again. This is part of the cycle of abuse, where the abuser may exhibit remorse, but the violence often escalates over time.

A. Delirium is an acute, often sudden onset of confusion and altered mental status, usually caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. It tends to fluctuate and is typically reversible — not consistent with the progressive and long-term decline described.
B. Amnesia refers specifically to memory loss, which can be caused by trauma, disease, or psychological factors, but it does not encompass the broader cognitive decline (such as impaired judgment, language, and executive function) seen in dementia.
C. Dementia is characterized by a gradual and progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills over time. The two-year progression described in the question is typical of dementia, especially in older adults.
D. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement.While it can be associated with dementia in later stages, the primary symptoms early on are related to motor function (e.g., tremors, rigidity), not memory and cognition.