A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and has a prescription for levodopa. Which of the following types of dementia should the nurse identify that the client has?
Parkinson's disease
Vascular disease
Prion disease
HIV infection
The Correct Answer is A
A. Levodopa is a dopaminergic medication used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). In Parkinson’s disease, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra leads to motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. When cognitive decline develops after the onset of Parkinson’s motor symptoms, it is classified as Parkinson’s disease dementia. Levodopa helps improve mobility and reduces parkinsonian motor deficits, indirectly supporting functional independence in clients with dementia.
B. Vascular dementia results from cerebrovascular disease (e.g., strokes or chronic ischemia) and is not treated with levodopa. Management focuses on controlling cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, rather than dopaminergic therapy.
C. Prion disease (e.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded prion proteins. There is no cure or specific treatment, and levodopa is not effective for prion-related dementia.
D. HIV-associated dementia is a complication of advanced HIV infection affecting the central nervous system. Management includes antiretroviral therapy rather than dopaminergic agents like levodopa.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Teaching relaxation techniquesis an appropriate nursing intervention for clients with somatic symptom disorder. These techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery, help clients manage stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate physical symptoms. Nonpharmacologic strategies are preferred because symptoms are often amplified by psychological factors, and the focus is on improving coping rather than treating underlying pathology that may not exist.
B. Prescribing pain medication is not the primary approachfor somatic symptom disorder unless there is a clearly documented medical indication. Overuse of analgesics can reinforce symptom focus and lead to dependency or medication overuse complications.
C. Increasing carbohydrate intake is unrelated to the treatment of somatic symptom disorder. Nutritional changes should be guided by medical needs, not by the psychological manifestations of the disorder.
D. Frequent unscheduled or weekly visits to the primary care provider can reinforce health preoccupation and illness behavior, which is counterproductive in somatic symptom disorder. Instead, structured and scheduled visits should be planned to reduce unnecessary medical consultations while providing reassurance and monitoring.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Lanugois fine, soft hair that develops as a compensatory mechanism to conserve heat in clients with anorexia nervosa, not bulimia nervosa. It reflects chronic malnutrition and low body fat.
B. Bulimia nervosa is associated with swollen, not sunken, parotid glands, due to repeated vomiting and stimulation of the salivary glands. Sunken parotids are not a typical finding.
C. Clients with bulimia nervosa who purge frequently often develop hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia, due to loss of potassium through vomiting or laxative use. Hyperkalemia is uncommon in this population.
D. Russell’s signrefers to calluses or scars on the dorsal surface of the hands or knuckles, caused by repeated contact with teeth during self-induced vomiting. This is a classic physical manifestation of bulimia nervosa and is often observed during physical assessment.
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