A patient with mild Alzheimer’s disease is prescribed to take galantamine. Which statement best describes how this medication works to treat this disease?
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine.
Decreases amyloid plaques in the brain.
Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Limits neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine.
Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning. By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, galantamine increases the levels of acetylcholine available in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease1. This mechanism of action is crucial because it directly addresses the cholinergic deficit observed in Alzheimer’s disease.
Choice B Reason:
Decreases amyloid plaques in the brain.
This statement is incorrect. Galantamine does not work by decreasing amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, but galantamine’s primary mechanism of action is related to acetylcholine metabolism. Other treatments and research efforts focus on targeting amyloid plaques, but this is not the function of galantamine.
Choice C Reason:
Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain.
While this statement is partially correct, it is not as precise as the correct answer. Galantamine increases acetylcholine levels indirectly by preventing its breakdown rather than directly increasing its production. The distinction is important because the therapeutic approach involves inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing its availability.
Choice D Reason:
Limits neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors.
This statement is incorrect. Limiting neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors is the mechanism of action for a different class of Alzheimer’s medications, such as memantine. Galantamine does not affect NMDA receptors; instead, it enhances cholinergic function by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and potentiating nicotinic receptors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Word salad.
Word salad refers to a jumble of words and phrases that lack logical coherence, often seen in severe cases of schizophrenia. The speech is typically incomprehensible and does not follow any recognizable pattern. In this case, the client’s response, while unusual, follows a pattern based on sound rather than meaning, which does not fit the definition of word salad.
Choice B Reason:
Loose association.
Loose association involves a series of thoughts that are only loosely connected to each other. This is a common symptom in schizophrenia, where the person’s thoughts may drift from one topic to another with little logical connection. However, the client’s response in this scenario is more structured and based on rhyming, which is characteristic of clang associations rather than loose associations.
Choice C Reason:
Clang association.
Clang association is a type of thought disorder where the person’s speech is governed by the sound of words rather than their meaning. This often results in rhyming or punning speech. The client’s response, “A match is a catch. A catch is a batch. The batch started to hatch,” is a clear example of clang association because the words are linked by their similar sounds rather than their meanings.
Choice D Reason:
Ideas of reference.
Ideas of reference involve the belief that ordinary events, objects, or behaviors of others have particular and unusual significance specifically for the person. This is often seen in paranoid schizophrenia. The client’s response does not indicate that they believe the words have special personal significance; instead, it shows a pattern of rhyming, which is more indicative of clang association.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The statement “Documentation of the event will include interventions attempted prior to initiating restraints” is correct. Proper documentation is crucial when restraints are used. This includes detailing the client’s behavior that necessitated the restraint, the interventions attempted before applying the restraint, the type of restraint used, and the time it was applied. This documentation ensures transparency and accountability, and it helps in evaluating the necessity and appropriateness of the restraint use.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “The physician must be present at the time of the restraint episode” is incorrect. While a physician’s order is required for the use of restraints, the physician does not need to be physically present at the time of the restraint episode. However, the physician must evaluate the client within a specified time frame after the restraint is applied, typically within one hour. This ensures that the restraint is medically justified and that the client’s condition is appropriately monitored.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “The client will be turned every 2 hours” is correct. Clients in restraints must be regularly repositioned to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and to ensure their comfort. Turning the client every 2 hours is a standard practice to maintain skin integrity and promote circulation. This intervention is part of the comprehensive care plan for clients in restraints.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “The client will need to be monitored every one-half hour” is correct. Frequent monitoring of clients in restraints is essential to ensure their safety and well-being. This includes checking for signs of distress, ensuring that the restraints are not causing harm, and assessing the client’s vital signs5. Monitoring every 30 minutes helps in promptly addressing any issues that may arise and ensures that the restraints are used safely and effectively.
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