A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the family of a client who has a new diagnosis of dementia. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Dementia is often caused by a sudden change in environment."
“The manifestations of dementia are progressive and irreversible."
“Dementia is characterized by a sudden onset over a few hours or days."
"An altered level of consciousness is associated with dementia."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Dementia is not typically caused by sudden environmental changes. Instead, it is a chronic condition that develops gradually over time due to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia.
B. Dementia is characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. The progression of dementia is typically slow and leads to worsening symptoms over time. Currently, most types of dementia are considered irreversible, meaning that the damage to the brain is not reversible and the condition will continue to progress.
C. Dementia is a progressive condition that develops gradually, often over months or years. It is not characterized by a sudden onset. Sudden onset of cognitive symptoms is more indicative of delirium, which can be caused by acute medical conditions or other factors.
D. Dementia generally does not involve an altered level of consciousness. Instead, it primarily affects cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and orientation while consciousness remains clear.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Delirium is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and changes in mental status, often occurring over a short period (hours to days). This contrasts with dementia, which has a gradual onset and progressive decline in cognitive function over months or years.
B. In delirium, the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is often affected because cognitive and attentional impairments can interfere with daily functioning. In contrast, early stages of dementia may still allow for relatively intact ADLs, and in depression, ADLs might be affected due to lack of motivation or energy rather than cognitive impairment.
C. Delirium typically involves visible, pronounced cognitive changes and fluctuating levels of awareness and attention. Clients with delirium usually exhibit overt confusion and disorientation. In contrast, in dementia, cognitive changes are progressive and become more apparent over time.
D. An apathetic demeanor or flat affect is more commonly associated with depression, where mood disturbances such as sadness, lack of motivation, and diminished emotional expression are prevalent. Dementia might also involve changes in affect, but apathy and flat affect are not distinguishing features of delirium.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Group homes provide supportive living environments for individuals with chronic mental health issues or those who need assistance with daily living but are not in acute crisis. While beneficial for long-term support and rehabilitation, a group home may not offer the intensive and immediate care required for someone who is actively suicidal.
B. Long-term mental health facilities are designed for ongoing treatment and support for individuals with severe and chronic mental health conditions. While they offer extensive services and support, they are typically not intended for clients who need immediate stabilization and short-term care for acute suicidal ideation.
C. Outpatient clinics provide regular therapy and support for individuals with less acute needs. While they are valuable for ongoing mental health care and management, they may not be equipped to handle a client in immediate danger of suicide who requires 24/7 monitoring and intensive intervention.
D. An inpatient mental health unit is designed for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, including suicidal ideation. It provides intensive, round-the-clock care, including monitoring, psychiatric evaluation, and immediate crisis intervention.
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