A nursing instructor is teaching about rivastigmine (Excelon). A student asks, "How does this work? Will this cure Alzheimer's disease (AD)?" Which is the appropriate instructor reply?
"This medication delays the destruction of dopamine, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. Although most effective in the early stages, it serves to delay, but not stop, the progression of the AD."
"This medication encourages production of NMDA, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. It delays the progression of the disease."
"This medication encourages production of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. It delays the progression of the disease."
"This medication delays the destruction of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. Although most effective in the early stages, it serves to delay, but not stop, the progression of the AD."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "This medication delays the destruction of dopamine, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. Although most effective in the early stages, it serves to delay, but not stop, the progression of the AD.": Rivastigmine does not primarily affect dopamine; it targets acetylcholine, which is critical for memory and cognition. Dopamine modulation is more relevant to Parkinson’s disease treatments.
B. "This medication encourages production of NMDA, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. It delays the progression of the disease.": NMDA receptors are involved in glutamate signaling, not directly increased by rivastigmine. This description more closely relates to NMDA antagonists like memantine rather than cholinesterase inhibitors.
C. "This medication encourages production of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. It delays the progression of the disease.": Rivastigmine inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine rather than stimulating its production. The mechanism preserves existing neurotransmitter levels to improve cognitive function.
D. "This medication delays the destruction of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain necessary for memory processes. Although most effective in the early stages, it serves to delay, but not stop, the progression of the AD.": Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents acetylcholine breakdown. This enhances cholinergic neurotransmission, helping maintain cognitive function temporarily, but it does not cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Involve family in treatment: Family involvement helps address relational stressors and improves communication and support systems. Education and collaboration with caregivers can reduce triggers for self-harm and reinforce healthy coping strategies. Inclusion is guided by safety, consent, and therapeutic goals.
B. Encourage secrecy to maintain trust: Encouraging secrecy can increase risk by limiting safety planning and preventing appropriate monitoring. Nursing care emphasizes transparency, safety, and appropriate information sharing when self-harm is present. Trust is built through honest communication and protective collaboration.
C. Refer for dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is an evidence-based approach for adolescents who engage in self-injury. It focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. Referral supports development of safer coping skills.
D. Teach alternative coping strategies: Teaching skills such as grounding, journaling, sensory modulation, or reaching out for support provides practical alternatives to self-harm. These strategies target emotional regulation and reduce reliance on injurious behaviors.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Food is rapidly ingested without proper mastication: Rapid eating may contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort or increased calorie intake, but it does not directly cause dental deterioration or enamel erosion.
B. Poor dental and oral hygiene leads to dental caries: While poor oral hygiene can exacerbate dental problems, enamel erosion in patients who purge is primarily due to chemical exposure rather than hygiene practices alone.
C. Purging causes the depletion of dietary calcium: Purging may affect overall nutritional status, but the loss of calcium is not the direct cause of visible dental erosion. Tooth enamel damage occurs through chemical means rather than mineral depletion.
D. The emesis produced during purging is acidic and corrodes the tooth enamel: Repeated vomiting exposes teeth to gastric acid, which is highly erosive. The acid softens and wears away enamel over time, leading to dental deterioration, sensitivity, and increased risk of cavities.
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.