A nurse is planning care for a client who has Parkinson's disease (PD) and experiences freezing episodes. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The caregiver does not need further teaching if they say that memantine will help reduce the amount of glutamate in their loved one's brain. Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that works by blocking the excessive stimulation of glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter that is involved in learning, memory, and cognition. Glutamate can be toxic to nerve cells if it accumulates in high levels in AD.

Choice B reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The caregiver does not need further teaching if they say that memantine will help improve their loved one's memory and attention span. Memantine can improve some aspects of cognitive function in clients who have moderate to severe AD by enhancing nerve communication and preventing nerve damage.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. The caregiver needs further teaching if they say that memantine will help prevent their loved one from having seizures or hallucinations. This is not the purpose or effect of memantine, but rather anticonvulsants or antipsychotics, which are medications used to treat seizures or psychosis, respectively. Seizures or hallucinations are not common symptoms of AD, but rather complications that may occur in advanced stages of the disease.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The caregiver does not need further teaching if they say that memantine will help slow down the decline of their loved one's cognitive function. Memantine can slow down the progression of AD and delay the need for institutionalization by preserving some cognitive abilities and daily functioning.

Choice A reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to maintain a consistent daily routine and environment, as this can help reduce anxiety, agitation, or disorientation in clients who have AD. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, language, reasoning, judgment, and other cognitive abilities. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and environment can provide structure, familiarity, and security for the client.

Choice B reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to use memory aids such as calendars, clocks, or lists, as this can help enhance memory and orientation in clients who have AD. Memory aids can provide cues or reminders for the client about important information such as dates, events, tasks, or names.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to engage in physical and mental activities that are enjoyable and stimulating, as this can help preserve cognitive function and well-being in clients who have AD. Physical and mental activities can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, stimulate neural connections, enhance mood and self-esteem, and prevent boredom and depression.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not advise the client and their caregiver to avoid social interactions that may cause stress or confusion, as this can have negative effects on cognitive function and well-being in clients who have AD. Social interactions can provide emotional support, companionship, communication skills, and cognitive stimulation for the client. The nurse should encourage the client and their caregiver to maintain social contacts and participate in activities that are appropriate for the client's level of functioning and interest.

Choice E reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not advise the client and their caregiver to limit fluid intake and caffeine consumption, as this can have negative effects on cognitive function and well-being in clients who have AD. Fluid intake and caffeine consumption are not directly related to the cause or progression of AD, and limiting them can cause dehydration, constipation, or headaches. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to ensure adequate hydration and nutrition for the client and avoid substances that may interfere with sleep quality or medication effectiveness, such as alcohol or nicotine.