NCLEX RN Practice Questions PDF Related

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A client's wife states that her elderly husband has begun to slightly slur his words and drop word endings, he has become increasingly withdrawn socially, and he is irritable, accusing her of talking behind his back and whispering at him. The nurse suspects that the client should be initially evaluated for which of the following?

  • A. Depression.
  • B. Alzheimer's disease.
  • C. Hearing loss.
  • D. Stroke.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Slurred speech, social withdrawal, and irritability with accusations of whispering suggest hearing loss (C), which can cause communication difficulties and paranoia. Depression (A), Alzheimer's (B), and stroke (D) are less likely to present with this specific combination.