Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Health Care of the Older Adult Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Health Care of the Older Adult related questions and content

After a sudden decline in cognition, a 77-year-old man who has been diagnosed with vascular dementia is receiving care in his home. To reduce this mans risk of future infarcts, what action should the nurse most strongly encourage?

  • A. Activity limitation and falls reduction efforts
  • B. Adequate nutrition and fluid intake
  • C. Rigorous control of the patients blood pressure and serum lipid levels
  • D. Use of mobility aids to promote independence
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Because vascular dementia is associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease, risk factors (e.g., hypercholesterolemia, history of smoking, diabetes) are similar. Prevention and management are also similar. Therefore, measures to decrease blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels may prevent future infarcts. Activity limitation is unnecessary and infarcts are not prevented by nutrition or the use of mobility aids.