A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following treatment options should the nurse include in the teaching?
Initiate hospice care services when the client has 6 months or less to live.
Improve cognitive status with transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Control anxiety with barbiturate medications.
Delay cognitive impairment with NMDA receptor antagonist medications.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Initiating hospice care services is generally considered when the client is in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease and has a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatments. It's an option when the disease has significantly progressed, not typically at the time of initial diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and is being studied as a potential treatment for improving cognitive status in Alzheimer's patients. However, it is not yet a standard treatment and is considered experimental.
Choice C reason: Barbiturate medications are not typically used to control anxiety in Alzheimer's patients due to the risk of dependency and the potential to worsen cognitive impairment. Other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are generally preferred for managing anxiety in these patients⁷.
Choice D reason: NMDA receptor antagonists, such as memantine, are medications that can help delay cognitive symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. They work by regulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, which may be overactive in Alzheimer's disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that can interact with certain foods containing tyramine, such as cheese, leading to hypertensive crisis. The client's report of dizziness after eating a grilled cheese sandwich could indicate a spike in blood pressure. Therefore, assessing blood pressure is the priority to check for this potential adverse reaction.
Choice B reason: While respiration is important, it is not typically the first vital sign affected by the dietary interaction with phenelzine. However, if blood pressure is elevated, it could lead to respiratory changes, so it should be monitored if blood pressure is abnormal.
Choice C reason: Pulse may be affected by changes in blood pressure, but it is not the most direct indicator of a hypertensive crisis. After assessing blood pressure, the nurse should also check the pulse for any irregularities.
Choice D reason: Temperature is not directly related to the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis caused by MAOI interactions with tyramine-rich foods. It is unlikely that the client's dizziness is related to a change in body temperature.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help calm the mind and is beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders. It involves envisioning a peaceful scene or series of experiences that can distract from anxious thoughts. This method can be particularly helpful before bedtime to ease the transition into sleep.
Choice B reason: Lying in bed and trying to force oneself to fall asleep can actually lead to increased frustration and anxiety, making it harder to fall asleep. It's recommended to leave the bed if unable to sleep and engage in a quiet activity until feeling sleepy.
Choice C reason: Eating a substantial meal before bed can lead to discomfort and disrupt sleep. It's better to have a light snack if needed and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
Choice D reason: Restricting sleep can exacerbate anxiety and is not recommended. It's important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure adequate sleep to manage anxiety symptoms effectively.
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