A nurse plans an educational program for staff of a home health agency specializing in care of the elderly. Which topic is the highest priority to include?
- A. Pain assessment techniques for older adults
- B. Psychosocial stimulation for those who live alone
- C. Preparation of psychiatric advance directives in the elderly
- D. Ways to manage disinhibition in elderly persons with dementia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The topic of greatest immediacy is the assessment of pain in older adults. Unmanaged pain can precipitate other problems, such as substance abuse and depression. Elderly patients are less likely to be accurately diagnosed and adequately treated for pain. The distracters are unrelated or of lesser importance.
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The client lives so completely in a world of her own that she does not eat, drink, or bathe regularly. She is considered to be:
- A. Exotic
- B. Anorectic
- C. Neurotic
- D. Psychotic
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Psychotic. The client's behavior of not eating, drinking, or bathing regularly indicates a severe detachment from reality, which is a hallmark of psychosis. Psychotic individuals may have delusions or hallucinations that distort their perception of the world, leading to extreme neglect of basic needs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not specifically address the profound disconnect from reality exhibited by the client. Exotic refers to something unusual or rare, anorectic relates to an eating disorder, and neurotic typically involves anxiety and emotional instability, none of which fully capture the level of disconnection seen in psychosis.
Most individuals with Alzheimer's disease are cared for in:
- A. Nursing homes
- B. Their homes
- C. Mental health facilities
- D. Long-term care facilities specifically set up for clients with Alzheimer's
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Their homes. Most individuals with Alzheimer's disease are cared for in their homes because it allows for familiar surroundings and routines, which can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Home care also promotes independence and maintains a sense of normalcy. Nursing homes (choice A) may be necessary for individuals with advanced Alzheimer's who require round-the-clock care. Mental health facilities (choice C) are not typically designed to provide specialized care for Alzheimer's. Long-term care facilities specifically for Alzheimer's clients (choice D) are a subset of nursing homes and may not be the most common setting for care.
An infant develops jaundice 6 hours after birth. Which one of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Haemolytic disease of the newborn.
- B. Umbilical sepsis.
- C. Physiological jaundice.
- D. Atresia of the bile ducts.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Jaundice within 24 hours of birth is pathological, often due to haemolytic disease of the newborn (A), such as Rh incompatibility causing rapid red cell breakdown. Physiological jaundice (C) typically appears after 24 hours, while umbilical sepsis (B), bile duct atresia (D), and neonatal hepatitis (E) are less likely to cause such early onset.
A nurse finds a patient with anorexia nervosa vigorously exercising before gaining the agreed-upon weekly weight. Select the nurse's best comment.
- A. It bothers me to see you exercising.
- B. You and I will have to sit down and discuss this problem.
- C. Let's discuss the relationship between exercise and weight loss and how that affects your body.
- D. According to our agreement, exercising is not permitted until you have gained a specific amount of weight.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it directly addresses the behavior in relation to the agreed-upon plan and sets clear boundaries. By stating that exercising is not permitted until the patient has gained a specific amount of weight, the nurse reinforces the importance of following the treatment plan to ensure the patient's health and well-being.
A: This response does not address the behavior in a constructive manner and may come across as judgmental.
B: While discussing the problem is important, it does not provide clear guidance on addressing the immediate issue of exercising before reaching the weight goal.
C: While discussing the relationship between exercise and weight loss can be helpful, it does not provide a clear directive on what action should be taken in this specific situation.
Which theory of etiology of Alzheimer's disease, suggested by current research, might the nurse use to help a family understand that this disorder is not of psychosocial origin? Alzheimer's disease is associated with:
- A. @-amyloid protein deposits in the brain
- B. Abnormal serotonin reuptake
- C. Excessive acetylcholine in the frontal cortex
- D. Prion infection of gray matter
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: @-amyloid protein deposits in the brain. This theory of Alzheimer's etiology is supported by current research, indicating that the accumulation of @-amyloid protein plaques in the brain is a key characteristic of the disease. These plaques lead to neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Option B, abnormal serotonin reuptake, is not associated with Alzheimer's. Option C, excessive acetylcholine in the frontal cortex, is incorrect as Alzheimer's is characterized by acetylcholine deficiency. Option D, prion infection of gray matter, is not linked to Alzheimer's disease. In summary, the presence of @-amyloid protein deposits in the brain is a key feature of Alzheimer's pathology, distinguishing it from psychosocial origins.