Which pathophysiologic change is found in the brain tissue of people who have Alzheimer's disease?

Decreased dopamine

Increased glial cells

Increased glutamate

Neurofibrillary tangles

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Dopamine is primarily associated with other neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, not Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's disease, the focus is on changes related to beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles rather than alterations in dopamine levels.
B.   Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, play a role in the brain's immune response and support of neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of increased activation and proliferation of glial cells in response to neuroinflammation and the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This reactive gliosis is a secondary response to the underlying pathology.
C.   Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions, including memory and learning. In Alzheimer's disease, there is evidence of dysregulation in glutamate metabolism and

signaling pathways. This dysregulation can lead to excitotoxicity, which contributes to neuronal damage and cell death seen in the disease.
D.   Neurofibrillary tangles are one of the hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. These tangles are aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that accumulate inside neurons, disrupting their normal functioning and eventually leading to cell death. Neurofibrillary tangles, along with beta- amyloid plaques, contribute to the progressive cognitive decline observed in Alzheimer's disease.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes, caused by bleeding under the skin. While petechiae can indicate bleeding, they are not specific to HIT and can occur due to various reasons, including low platelet count or coagulation disorders. They do not necessarily indicate thrombotic complications associated with HIT.
B. This hemoglobin level is within the normal range for adults and does not directly correlate with HIT. However, it is important to monitor hemoglobin levels in patients with HIT due to the risk of bleeding and thrombosis.
C. Bleeding gums can occur due to various reasons, including gum disease or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). In HIT, the concern is not just bleeding but also the paradoxical risk of thrombosis despite low platelet counts. Bleeding from mucosal surfaces can indicate underlying thrombocytopenia but does not specifically highlight the thrombotic risk of HIT.
D. This symptom is concerning for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a thrombotic complication associated with HIT. HIT predisposes patients to thrombosis due to the formation of antibodies against

platelet factor 4/heparin complexes, leading to platelet activation and clot formation. DVT is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE).

A. Provide the client with an electric shaver for grooming. B. Move the client to a negative pressure isolation room. C. Encourage the client to select cooked vegetables rather than a salad for their lunch tray. D. Educate the client to dab their nose, rather than forcefully blow their nose.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This option is appropriate because the client's low white blood cell count (3,100/mm³) suggests they are at risk for infection due to chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Using an electric shaver reduces the risk of cuts and nicks that could potentially lead to infections.

B. This option is not necessary based on the client's current lab results. Negative pressure isolation rooms are typically reserved for clients with severely compromised immune systems, such as those with very low neutrophil counts (neutropenia). A white blood cell count of 3,100/mm³ is within a range where standard precautions are usually sufficient.
C. This option addresses food safety precautions for clients with neutropenia (low white blood cell count). Raw vegetables, including salads, have a higher risk of harboring bacteria that could cause infections. Therefore, cooked vegetables are safer for clients with compromised immune systems.
D. This option is appropriate because chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count of 280,000/mm³) increases the risk of bleeding. Forceful blowing of the nose can traumatize the nasal mucosa and increase the risk of nosebleeds. Dabbing the nose gently is a safer method to avoid nosebleeds.

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Which pathophysiologic change is found in the brain tissue of people who have Alzheimer's disease?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse recognize as the most concerning for a client with this condition?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. The client's most recent lab results show a white blood cell count of 3,100/mm3, and a platelet count of 280,000/mm3. Based on these lab results, which nursing action is appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?

Which pathophysiologic change is found in the brain tissue of people who have Alzheimer's disease?

A client in an urgent care clinic is complaining of heart palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows no discernable P-waves, and an irregular ventricular rate. The nurse should understand that this finding represents which of the following conditions?

The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client who is being admitted for right- sided heart failure. Which statement made by the patient would be consistent with right-sided heart failure?

A nurse receives report on a client who is diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Understanding the complications associated with this condition, which assessment is the priority for the nurse to complete for this client?

A nurse is caring for a 24-year-old client who has frequent premature atrial contractions seen on the cardiac monitor. The nurse understands that the client requires additional education when the client selects which of the following items for the breakfast tray?