A nursing student asks the nurse to differentiate the pathology of Alzheimer's disease from that of Parkinson's disease.
Which description is correct?
Parkinson's disease is characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine.
Parkinson disease involves increased dopamine production and decreased acetylcholine.
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by decreased amount of dopamine and degeneration of cholinergic neurons.
Alzheimer’s disease involves a possible excess of acetylcholine and neuritic plaques.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Parkinson's disease is characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine, primarily due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. This imbalance results in the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
Choice B rationale
Parkinson's disease involves decreased dopamine production, not increased. The disease is caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to reduced dopamine levels and an imbalance with acetylcholine.
Choice C rationale
Alzheimer's disease is not primarily characterized by a decrease in dopamine. Instead, it involves the degeneration of cholinergic neurons and a deficiency in acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and cognitive functions.
Choice D rationale
Alzheimer's disease is associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine rather than an excess. The disease is also characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which contribute to cognitive decline.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Taking medication at the first sign of nausea may be too late to prevent motion sickness as it takes time for the medication to be absorbed and take effect.
Choice B rationale
Taking medication just prior to takeoff might not give the drug enough time to be absorbed and start working effectively.
Choice C rationale
Taking medication just prior to boarding the flight may not provide sufficient time for the drug to reach its peak effectiveness.
Choice D rationale
Taking the medication at 0700 before leaving for the airport allows enough time for the drug to be absorbed and reach its peak effect, which is essential for preventing motion sickness during the flight.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reassuring the client without addressing the persistent cough would not be appropriate as it may signal a need for a different medication. The ACE inhibitor captopril can cause a bothersome, persistent cough in some patients due to increased bradykinin levels.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the patient to stop the medication immediately is not advised without consulting the healthcare provider. While the cough is a known side effect, stopping the medication abruptly may lead to unmanaged hypertension.
Choice C rationale
Scheduling an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is appropriate. ARBs do not typically cause a persistent cough, making them a suitable alternative for patients who experience this side effect with ACE inhibitors.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the patient to go to the emergency room immediately is unnecessary as the persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and not an emergency situation. Emergency action is warranted for symptoms of angioedema, such as swelling of the face or throat.
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