A client is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He tells the nurse, "I have a date tonight for Valentine's dance." The most appropriate response is:
"I think you need more medication. I will be right back."
"Your wife passed away last year. Who's your date?"
"Today is (today's date). Tell me about the other dances you've been to."
You're confused. Today is not Valentine's Day."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "I think you need more medication. I will be right back." While medication is an important aspect of managing Alzheimer's disease, this response dismisses the patient's feelings and does not address the emotional content of the statement. The goal is to engage with the patient in a compassionate way, not to assume the medication is the solution.
B. "Your wife passed away last year. Who's your date?" This response may be truthful, but it could be very distressing for the patient. Alzheimer's disease often causes memory loss and confusion, so correcting the patient in this blunt manner may cause unnecessary emotional distress or frustration.
C. "Today is (today's date). Tell me about the other dances you've been to." This is the most appropriate response. It gently redirects the patient to reality by providing the correct date, but it also shows empathy and invites the patient to share pleasant memories. This approach validates the patient's emotions and encourages conversation, which is beneficial for maintaining dignity and engaging the patient in meaningful dialogue.
D. "You're confused. Today is not Valentine's Day." This response may make the patient feel invalidated or upset. Alzheimer's disease often causes confusion and disorientation, so harshly correcting the patient can lead to increased agitation and emotional distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Your friends will understand when you tell them." This response, while well-meaning, may minimize the victim's feelings and pressure them to disclose something they might not be ready to share. It does not directly address the immediate emotional crisis the victim is experiencing.
B. "Are you thinking of suicide?" This is the most important response, as it directly addresses the risk of self-harm or suicide, which is a critical concern for victims of violent trauma, especially after a violent assault. The victim's statement, "There is no sense of trying to go on," may indicate feelings of hopelessness or despair, which are warning signs for suicidal ideation. It is essential to assess for any thoughts of suicide immediately to ensure the patient's safety.
C. "It will take time, but you will feel the same as before." While this response is intended to provide reassurance, it is unrealistic and does not acknowledge the trauma and emotional distress the victim is experiencing. Recovery from such an event is complex and often involves long-term emotional and psychological adjustments.
D. "You will be able to find meaning in this experience as time goes on." This response may sound dismissive and may not resonate with the victim at this time. Finding meaning can be part of the healing process later, but this statement may feel like an oversimplification or invalidation of the victim's current emotions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The Donepezil (Aricept) slows the progression of neural damage is the best response. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, which may help maintain cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. While it does not stop or reverse the disease, it can help slow the progression of symptoms such as memory loss and confusion in the earlier stages.
B. The Donepezil (Aricept) prevents aggressive behaviors is incorrect. While it may have some mild benefits on behavior for some patients, Donepezil is not primarily used for aggression; antipsychotic or mood-stabilizing medications are more commonly used if aggression is a significant concern.
C. The Donepezil (Aricept) reverses the neural damage and improves cognitive function is inaccurate. Donepezil does not reverse neural damage or cure Alzheimer's disease. It only manages symptoms to a limited degree.
D. The Donepezil (Aricept) improves mood often associated with cognitive is incorrect. Donepezil is not an antidepressant or mood stabilizer. While improved cognition might indirectly improve mood, mood disorders are typically treated with other classes of medications.
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