Bobby is an 8-year-old patient who is to receive Amoxicillin 250 mg every 8 hours. You have 250 mg/5 mL. How many teaspoons will you tell his mother to administer every 8 hours?

Choice A reason: Reminding a dementia patient of forgotten information supports memory function and reduces frustration. Dementia involves progressive neuronal loss, impairing short-term memory due to hippocampal and cortical damage. Gentle reminders align with cognitive support strategies, maintaining patient comfort without overwhelming their limited cognitive capacity, making this approach appropriate.

Choice B reason: Engaging in favorite activities leverages preserved long-term memory in dementia, as the disease primarily affects short-term memory and executive function due to amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Familiar tasks reduce agitation and promote well-being, as they align with the patient’s cognitive abilities, making this a scientifically sound caregiving strategy.

Choice C reason: Introducing new and different activities daily is inappropriate, as dementia patients struggle with learning and adapting due to impaired neuroplasticity and hippocampal dysfunction. Novel tasks can cause confusion and agitation, as they overwhelm cognitive reserves. Familiar routines are more effective, requiring intervention to educate the caregiver on maintaining consistency.

Choice D reason: Encouraging discussion about friends and family taps into preserved long-term memory in early dementia, as the disease initially spares autobiographical memory. Social engagement supports emotional well-being and cognitive stimulation, reducing isolation. This approach is scientifically appropriate, as it aligns with the patient’s cognitive strengths and promotes quality of life.

Choice A reason: Responding positively to flattery risks reinforcing manipulative behavior and does not address potential underlying distress. The client’s statement may reflect emotional dysregulation or suicidal ideation, common in psychiatric conditions with serotonin imbalances. This response fails to probe for serious neurobiological risks, missing a critical assessment opportunity.

Choice B reason: Assuming the client wants something is confrontational and dismissive, ignoring potential suicidal ideation or emotional distress. The statement may reflect serotonin-driven mood instability or a cry for help, requiring sensitive exploration. This response risks alienating the client, missing neurobiological cues for underlying psychiatric concerns.

Choice C reason: Asking about suicidal thoughts is appropriate, as the client’s statement may signal ideation, linked to serotonin dysregulation and prefrontal cortex deficits. Such expressions can indicate despair or intent in psychiatric conditions, necessitating direct assessment to ensure safety and address potential neurobiological imbalances driving suicidal behavior.

Choice D reason: Dismissing the statement as insincere ignores potential distress signals, such as suicidal ideation or emotional dysregulation from serotonin imbalances. This response fails to engage the client’s underlying neurobiological state, risking missed opportunities to assess serious psychiatric concerns and provide appropriate intervention or support.