The nurse is designing interventions when using cognitive enhancers for clients with Alzheimer’s disease. Which statement is important to include?
The use of cognitive enhancers depends on the severity of the symptoms experienced by the client
These drugs can be used in all stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Medications for anxiety and depression are not helpful once cognitive enhancers are used
Cognitive enhancers are also used for seizure management as well
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Cognitive enhancers like donepezil or memantine are prescribed based on Alzheimer’s disease stage. Cholinesterase inhibitors are effective in mild-to-moderate stages, enhancing acetylcholine levels to improve cognition. Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, is used in moderate-to-severe stages to regulate glutamate activity, slowing cognitive decline. This statement is accurate, as treatment is tailored to symptom severity.
Choice B reason: Cognitive enhancers are not equally effective in all Alzheimer’s stages. Cholinesterase inhibitors benefit mild-to-moderate cases, while memantine is used in severe stages. Their efficacy diminishes in advanced disease due to extensive neuronal loss, making this statement inaccurate, as stage-specific prescribing is critical for therapeutic benefit.
Choice C reason: Medications for anxiety and depression, like SSRIs, remain helpful in Alzheimer’s to manage behavioral symptoms, even with cognitive enhancers. These drugs address mood disorders, which often coexist, improving quality of life. This statement is inaccurate, as combination therapy is common and beneficial in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Choice D reason: Cognitive enhancers are not used for seizure management. Anticonvulsants like levetiracetam manage seizures, which may occur in Alzheimer’s due to neuronal excitability. Cognitive enhancers target cognitive decline via cholinergic or glutamatergic pathways, not seizure control, making this statement inaccurate and unrelated to their pharmacological role.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sweating, trembling, and confusion indicate hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes, likely from excess insulin. Administering fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, juice) rapidly raises blood glucose by providing readily absorbable sugars, reversing neuroglycopenic symptoms. This is the first action to prevent seizures or coma, ensuring immediate stabilization.
Choice B reason: Administering insulin during hypoglycemia would further lower blood glucose, exacerbating symptoms and risking severe outcomes like unconsciousness. Insulin drives glucose into cells, worsening the deficit. This action is contraindicated and dangerous, as it directly opposes the need to raise blood sugar immediately.
Choice C reason: Complex carbohydrates and proteins digest slowly, providing delayed glucose release, unsuitable for acute hypoglycemia requiring rapid correction. While appropriate for long-term glucose stability, this is not the first action, as it fails to address the urgent need for fast-acting sugars to reverse symptoms.
Choice D reason: Calling the healthcare provider delays treatment of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate carbohydrate administration to prevent neurological damage. While provider consultation may follow for insulin adjustment, it is not the first action. This choice is inappropriate, as it postpones critical intervention needed for symptom resolution.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole does not require extended sun exposure. In fact, it causes photosensitivity, increasing sunburn risk, so patients should avoid prolonged sunlight. Vitamin D synthesis is unrelated to this antibiotic’s mechanism or side effects, making this statement inaccurate and potentially harmful for patient safety.
Choice B reason: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole does not typically cause brown urine. Brown urine may indicate hematuria or other conditions, but it is not a common side effect of this drug. The medication may cause gastrointestinal upset or rash, but urine discoloration is not expected, making this statement inaccurate.
Choice C reason: Follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to ensure UTI resolution and monitor for side effects like rash, renal impairment, or rare hematologic effects. This statement is inaccurate, as lack of follow-up could miss treatment failure or complications, undermining effective management of the infection.
Choice D reason: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to anemia, particularly in patients with folate deficiency or prolonged use. Monitoring complete blood counts is critical to detect hemolytic anemia or other hematologic toxicities, making this statement accurate and essential for safe patient management during treatment.
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