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 A
Explanation
A. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It involves the immune system attacking the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. This progressive damage can lead to both physical and cognitive disabilities, making it a dementia-related disorder in some advanced cases.
B. Huntington chorea (Huntington’s disease) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and cognitive function, but it is not primarily defined as a disorder of both the brain and spinal cord.
C. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain disorder linked to chronic alcohol use and thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. It affects memory and coordination but is not a disease of the spinal cord.
D. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is strictly a brain disorder, not one that affects the spinal cord.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, tremors, and seizures.
B. Valium (diazepam) is another benzodiazepine frequently used for alcohol withdrawal due to its long half-life and calming effects.
C. Ativan (lorazepam) is also used in alcohol withdrawal treatment, especially for patients with liver issues, as it has a shorter half-life and is metabolized differently than other benzodiazepines.
D. Zoloft (sertraline) is an SSRI antidepressant, not used for managing acute alcohol withdrawal. While it may be prescribed later for co-occurring depression or anxiety, it is not appropriate for immediate withdrawal management.
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