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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a common side effect of lorazepam. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine, which typically causes sedation and relaxation of muscles, leading to a decrease in blood pressure rather than an increase. Therefore, hypertension is not an expected side effect of this medication.
Choice B Reason:
Tinnitus.
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is also not commonly associated with lorazepam use. While tinnitus can be a side effect of various medications, it is not typically linked to benzodiazepines like lorazepam. Therefore, it is not an expected side effect for clients taking this medication.
Choice C Reason:
Metallic taste.
A metallic taste is not a common side effect of lorazepam. This side effect is more often associated with other medications, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs. Lorazepam’s side effects are more related to its sedative properties.
Choice D Reason:
Dizziness.
Dizziness is a common side effect of lorazepam. As a central nervous system depressant, lorazepam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Clients should be advised to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, until they know how the medication affects them.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Somatic.
Somatic delusions involve a false belief that there is something physically wrong with one’s body, such as having a serious illness or a physical defect. In this scenario, the client’s belief that the food is poisoned does not relate to their own body but rather to an external threat, making somatic delusions an incorrect classification.
Choice B Reason:
Persecutory.
This is the correct response. Persecutory delusions, also known as paranoid delusions, involve the belief that one is being targeted, harassed, or conspired against. The client’s statement that the staff is poisoning the food reflects a belief that they are being harmed or targeted, which is characteristic of persecutory delusions. These types of delusions are the most common in schizophrenia and often involve themes of being persecuted or plotted against.
Choice C Reason:
Erotomanic.
Erotomanic delusions involve the false belief that another person, often someone of higher status, is in love with the individual. This type of delusion is not relevant to the client’s statement about the food being poisoned, as it does not involve any romantic or affectionate themes.
Choice D Reason:
Grandiose.
Grandiose delusions involve an inflated sense of one’s own importance, power, knowledge, or identity. The client’s belief about the food being poisoned does not reflect an exaggerated sense of self-importance or power, making grandiose delusions an incorrect classification for this scenario.
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