A nurse is conducting a health history for a client who is suspected of having vascular dementia.
Which of the following factors should the nurse ask about?
(Select all that apply.).
History of hypertension.
Family history of Alzheimer’s disease
History of transient ischemic attacks.
Exposure to environmental toxins.
History of diabetes mellitus.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
The correct answer is A, C and E.
These are the factors that the nurse should ask about when suspecting vascular dementia.
Vascular dementia is caused by different conditions that interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen supply to the brain and damage blood vessels in the brain. People with vascular dementia almost always have abnormalities in the brain that can be seen on MRI scans. These abnormalities can include evidence of prior strokes, which are often small and sometimes without noticeable symptoms.
Choice A is correct because hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the risk factors for vascular dementia, as it can damage the small blood vessels in the brain and reduce blood flow. Controlling blood pressure may help lower the chances of developing vascular dementia.
Choice B is wrong because family history of Alzheimer’s disease is not a factor for vascular dementia, but for Alzheimer’s disease, which is a different type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, not by impaired blood flow.
Choice C is correct because transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also known as mini-strokes, are another risk factor for vascular dementia, as they can damage brain cells and affect cognition. TIAs are temporary episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain, causing symptoms similar to a stroke but lasting only a few minutes or hours.
Choice D is wrong because exposure to environmental toxins is not a factor for vascular dementia, but for other types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease dementia. These types of dementia are caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain or nerve cell damage, not by impaired blood flow.
Choice E is correct because diabetes mellitus is another risk factor for vascular dementia, as it can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Controlling blood sugar may help lower the chances of developing vascular dementia.
Sources:.
: Vascular Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | National Institute on Aging.
: Vascular dementia - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic.
: causes of vascular dementia - NHS - NHS.
A. History of hypertension B.
Family history of Alzheimer’s disease C.
History of transient ischemic attacks D.
Exposure to environmental toxins E.
History of diabetes mellitus
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B.
Provide the client with a calendar and a clock to promote orientation.This intervention helps the client with Alzheimer’s disease to maintain a sense of reality and reduce confusion by providing cues for time and date.
Choice A is wrong because asking the client to repeat information several times to enhance retention may increase frustration and anxiety for the client, as he or she may not be able to recall the information due to impaired memory.
Choice C is wrong because avoiding using reminiscence therapy as it may increase confusion is not supported by evidence.Reminiscence therapy is a type of intervention that involves recalling and sharing past experiences with others, which can improve mood, cognition, and socialization for clients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Choice D is wrong because correcting the client’s mistakes or inaccuracies to improve memory may also cause frustration and agitation for the client, as he or she may not be aware of the errors or may feel criticized or embarrassed.
Normal ranges for cognitive function can be assessed using tools such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which measure orientation, attention, memory, language, and executive function.
The MMSE has a maximum score of 30, with scores below 24 indicating cognitive impairment.The MoCA has a maximum score of 30, with scores below 26 indicating mild cognitive impairment.
A. Ask the client to repeat information several times to enhance retention.
B. Provide the client with a calendar and a clock to promote orientation.
C. Avoid using reminiscence therapy as it may increase confusion.
D. Correct the client’s mistakes or inaccuracies to improve memory.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B.
Provide positive reinforcement when the client behaves appropriately.This is because positive reinforcement can help increase the frequency of desired behaviors and reduce the occurrence of inappropriate behaviors in clients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) who exhibit disinhibition.Disinhibition is a common symptom of behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), which is characterized by a deterioration in cognition and social behavior.
Choice A is wrong because restricting the client’s social interactions to prevent embarrassment can lead to social isolation, depression, and loss of self-esteem.Clients with FTD need social support and stimulation to maintain their quality of life.
Choice C is wrong because using physical restraints when the client becomes agitated or aggressive can increase the risk of injury, infection, and psychological distress.Physical restraints should only be used as a last resort when other interventions have failed and the client poses a serious threat to themselves or others.
Choice D is wrong because administering antipsychotic medications to control the client’s impulses can have adverse effects such as sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms, metabolic syndrome, and increased mortality.Antipsychotic medications should be used with caution and only when non-pharmacological interventions are insufficient or contraindicated.
Normal ranges for vital signs, blood tests, and other parameters are not applicable in this question.
A. Restrict the client’s social interactions to prevent embarrassment.
B. Provide positive reinforcement when the client behaves appropriately.
C. Use physical restraints when the client becomes agitated or aggressive.
D. Administer antipsychotic medications to control the client’s impulses.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.