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 cry for sympathy
Normal grieving
Normal negativity of older adults.
Evidence of suicide risk
The Correct Answer is D
A. A cry for sympathy is an oversimplified interpretation of the comment. While the statement might reflect feelings of sadness, it should not be assumed to be merely seeking sympathy. The focus should be on the underlying concerns of loss and despair.
B. Normal grieving refers to the emotional response to the loss of loved ones, which can involve feelings of sadness, but the comment reflects more than just grief. The man mentions financial concerns, declining health, and the loss of significant people in his life, which may point to a deeper sense of hopelessness or despair that goes beyond normal grieving.
C. Normal negativity of older adults is a stereotype and does not accurately reflect the individual's situation. While some older adults may experience negative feelings due to various life challenges, it is important to distinguish between normal aging-related sadness and more serious emotional distress or mental health concerns.
D. Evidence of suicide risk is the most concerning interpretation. The comment includes elements of hopelessness ("My money is running out, and my health is failing") and isolation ("My family and friends are all dead"), which can be indicators of a risk for suicide. Older adults are at an increased risk for suicide, especially when they experience multiple losses, declining health, and financial difficulties.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Exelon (rivastigmine) is an FDA-approved medication for Alzheimer's disease. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning .
B. Risperdal (risperidone) is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While it may be prescribed off-label for managing certain behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's patients, its use in this context carries significant risks, including increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis .
C. Namenda (memantine) is an FDA-approved medication for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It is an NMDA receptor antagonist that helps regulate glutamate activity, which is involved in learning and memory .
D. Aricept (donepezil) is an FDA-approved medication for all stages of Alzheimer's disease. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases levels of acetylcholine in the brain .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Denial is a common defense mechanism in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Individuals may refuse to accept the reality of their cognitive decline, which can lead them to deny their condition or deny symptoms, such as memory loss.
B. Confabulation refers to the unintentional creation of false memories to fill in memory gaps. It is a defense mechanism often seen in Alzheimer's patients as they attempt to make sense of their experiences or answer questions when they do not remember the correct information.
C. Perseveration is the repetition of a word, phrase, or action. Patients with Alzheimer's may exhibit perseveration when they become fixated on a thought or action and repeat it persistently, which is often a coping mechanism for confusion or disorientation.
D. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where individuals justify or explain their behaviors in a seemingly logical way to avoid feelings of guilt or discomfort. While it can be seen in many types of psychological distress, rationalization is not typically a behavior associated with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, Alzheimer's patients are more likely to demonstrate denial, confabulation, or perseveration, as they struggle with cognitive decline and memory loss.
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