The nurse is providing teaching for the family of a patient who has been newly diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD). Which statement by the family member indicates understanding of the teaching?
“Alzheimer disease affects memory but not personality.”
“With proper treatment, symptoms of this disease can be arrested.”
“The onset of Alzheimer disease is usually between 65 and 75 years.”
“Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive condition.”
The Correct Answer is D
A) “Alzheimer disease affects memory but not personality.”
While memory loss is one of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the condition also significantly impacts other cognitive functions, including personality and behavior. As the disease progresses, patients often experience changes in mood, behavior, and personality, such as increased irritability, depression, or aggression.
B) “With proper treatment, symptoms of this disease can be arrested.”
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and while some treatments (like cholinesterase inhibitors) can help manage symptoms temporarily or slow their progression, the disease itself is not arrestable. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, but it cannot stop the disease from advancing.
C) “The onset of Alzheimer disease is usually between 65 and 75 years.”
While Alzheimer’s disease typically affects older adults, this statement is too narrow. Alzheimer’s disease can begin earlier, sometimes in individuals in their 50s or 60s, particularly in cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s. The average age of onset for most people is around 65, but there is variability.
D) “Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive condition.”
Alzheimer’s disease is indeed chronic (lasting for years) and progressive (it worsens over time). It gradually destroys brain cells, leading to a decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. This is the fundamental nature of the disease
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Increased calcium: Sympathetic activation typically does not cause a direct increase in calcium levels. Calcium levels are more influenced by factors like parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D, or conditions such as bone disease or renal issues. Although some stress responses can lead to changes in calcium metabolism, an increase in calcium is not a typical response to sympathetic activation.
B) Decreased sodium: While sodium imbalances can occur in various conditions, the sympathetic nervous system does not directly cause a decrease in sodium. The body's handling of sodium is more influenced by factors like kidney function and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Stress-related changes in sodium levels are less likely to cause a significant decrease in sodium, making this an unlikely focus in monitoring.
C) Decreased potassium: During stress, the body releases catecholamines (like epinephrine) as part of the sympathetic nervous response, which stimulates the movement of potassium into cells. This can result in a transient decrease in serum potassium levels (hypokalemia). Monitoring for decreased potassium is important, as low potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, which are particularly concerning after surgery or trauma.
D) Increased chloride: Chloride is typically maintained in balance with sodium, and while it may shift in certain conditions, sympathetic activation does not directly lead to increased chloride levels. Most chloride imbalances are secondary to changes in sodium, acid-base disturbances, or kidney function. Therefore, an increase in chloride is less likely in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin:
Depression has been strongly linked to deficiencies in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play significant roles in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. When their levels are low, individuals may experience symptoms of depression, such as sadness, low energy, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and difficulty concentrating. Antidepressant medications often work by increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
B) Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Acetylcholine:
While norepinephrine plays a key role in depression, epinephrine and acetylcholine are not typically highlighted as the primary neurotransmitters involved in depression. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is more associated with the body’s stress response and fight-or-flight reaction. Acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning processes, but it is not the primary neurotransmitter related to depression.
C) Acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and serotonin:
Acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved in many brain functions, but they are not the primary neurotransmitters linked to depression. While GABA may play a role in mood regulation, it is not typically associated with depression in the same way that serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are. Serotonin is the exception in this answer
D) Gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and epinephrine:
Although dopamine is involved in depression, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and epinephrine are not the key neurotransmitters associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Epinephrine primarily affects the stress response, and while GABA does influence mood and anxiety, it is not the main neurotransmitter linked to depression itself.
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