Nokea
The highest priority for assessment by nurses caring for older adults who self-administer medications is
- A. use of multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects.
- B. overuse of medications for erectile dysfunction.
- C. missed doses of medications for arthritis.
- D. trading medications with acquaintances.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: use of multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects. This is the highest priority because anticholinergic medications are commonly prescribed to older adults and can lead to serious adverse effects such as confusion, memory issues, and falls. Nurses must assess for these effects to prevent harm.
Choice B (overuse of medications for erectile dysfunction) is not as high a priority as anticholinergic effects, as it is not as common and typically has less immediate serious consequences for older adults.
Choice C (missed doses of medications for arthritis) is important but not as critical as assessing for anticholinergic effects, as missed doses can generally be managed through education and adherence support.
Choice D (trading medications with acquaintances) is a serious concern but is not as high a priority as assessing for anticholinergic effects, as the immediate risks associated with anticholinergic medications are more severe.
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The nurse is explaining to the family of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia that the disorder is considered to have neurobiological origins. When the patient's mother asks, 'What part of the brain is dysfunctional?' the nurse should reply, 'Research has implicated the:
- A. medulla and cortex.'
- B. cerebellum and cerebrum.'
- C. hypothalamus and medulla.'
- D. prefrontal and limbic cortices.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: prefrontal and limbic cortices. The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and social behavior, functions that are often impaired in schizophrenia. The limbic cortex is responsible for emotions and memory, both of which are affected in schizophrenia. Research has shown abnormalities in these brain regions in individuals with schizophrenia, supporting the neurobiological origins of the disorder. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not specifically address the brain regions known to be involved in schizophrenia.
A history reveals that a patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. The nurse says, 'Describe what you think about your present weight and how you look.' Which response would be most consistent with anorexia nervosa?
- A. I'm fat and ugly.'
- B. What I think about myself is my business.'
- C. I'm grossly underweight, but I cover it well.'
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. This response is most consistent with anorexia nervosa because it reflects a distorted body image common in individuals with this condition. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to extreme weight loss and restrictive eating habits. Choice B suggests a lack of insight or denial, which is not typical of anorexia nervosa. Choice C acknowledges being underweight but does not reflect the negative body image associated with anorexia nervosa. Choice D is incorrect as option A aligns with the characteristic body image distortion seen in anorexia nervosa.
The physician's admission note mentions that a patient has sundown syndrome. The nurse can expect that the patient will:
- A. exhibit chronic fatigue.
- B. evidence extreme lethargy at night.
- C. manifest confusion and agitation at night.
- D. be more alert between 6 PM and 11 PM.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: manifest confusion and agitation at night. Sundown syndrome refers to a pattern of behavior where individuals with dementia experience increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in the late afternoon or evening. This is due to disruptions in the person's internal body clock. It is important for the nurse to anticipate and manage these symptoms during the evening shift.
Choice A: Chronic fatigue is not a typical symptom of sundowning.
Choice B: Extreme lethargy at night is not a common feature of sundown syndrome.
Choice D: Being more alert between 6 PM and 11 PM is not characteristic of sundowning, as individuals with this syndrome typically experience worsening symptoms during these hours.
Which nursing progress note would most suggest that the treatment plan of a severely depressed and withdrawn patient has been effective?
- A. Slept 6 hours straight, sang with activity group, eager to see grandchild.
- B. Slept 8 hours, attended craft group, ate half of lunch, denies suicidal ideation.
- C. Slept 10 hours, personal hygiene adequate with assistance, lost one pound.
- D. Slept 7 hours on and off, reports "food has no taste", no self-harm noted.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it indicates positive changes in mood, engagement, and social interaction, which are key indicators of effective treatment for severe depression. Sleeping 6 hours straight shows improved sleep patterns, singing with the activity group reflects increased participation and enjoyment, and being eager to see the grandchild demonstrates a renewed sense of joy and connection.
Choice B is incorrect because although the patient denies suicidal ideation, the level of activity and engagement is not as high as in choice A. Choice C is incorrect as the focus is on physical aspects rather than emotional well-being and social interaction. Choice D is incorrect because the patient still shows signs of depression such as lack of appetite and loss of interest in activities.
A victim of partner abuse, parent of one child, describes the partner as someone who is easily frustrated and more likely to be abusive after experiencing an event in which self-esteem is challenged. The most recent episodes of violence were related to feeling "upset"Â over a job loss. What type of therapy would provide the greatest help to the abuser?
- A. Voluntary individual or group therapy
- B. Court-ordered individual or group therapy
- C. Voluntary couples or family therapy
- D. Court-ordered couples or family therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Voluntary individual or group therapy. This type of therapy would provide the greatest help to the abuser because it focuses on addressing the underlying issues of frustration, self-esteem challenges, and abusive behavior. The key here is that the therapy is voluntary, which means the abuser is more likely to engage and actively participate in the process. In individual or group therapy, the abuser can explore and work on managing emotions, coping strategies, and developing healthier communication skills. Court-ordered therapy (choices B and D) may not be as effective because it could be seen as a punishment rather than a genuine effort to seek help. Couples or family therapy (choice C) may not be appropriate initially as the focus should be on the abuser's personal growth and behavior change.