The nurse is answering questions from a client and his family regarding a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The client asks how effective medication is in treating the disease. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. There is no cure or treatment for Alzheimer's disease.'
- B. Medications have shown little improvement in symptoms.'
- C. Medications for the disease have been found to improve thinking abilities, behavior, and daily functioning in some clients.'
- D. Alternative therapies, such as co-enzyme Q-10 and Ginkgo biloba, are more effective than any of the prescription medications used to treat the symptoms.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because medications for Alzheimer's disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, have been found to improve thinking abilities, behavior, and daily functioning in some clients. These medications can help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Option A is incorrect because while there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, there are treatments available. Option B is incorrect as medications have shown some efficacy in managing symptoms. Option D is incorrect as there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of alternative therapies compared to prescription medications for Alzheimer's disease.
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The federal act that establishes the standards of care for older adults is known as the Omnibus Budget Act.
- A. Reconciliation
- B. Budget
- C. Care
- D. Standards
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) (A) ensures that proper assessment of elderly people will be provided in the health care facility and in the home, as per its full name.
A client with a borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, 'My doctor tells me there's something wrong with the hard wiring of my brain, and that's why I'm so impulsive and get so many mood swings. He said he's going to prescribe some medication.' Being aware of current practice guidelines, the nurse will prepare a teaching plan for:
- A. Lithium
- B. Fluoxetine
- C. Lorazepam
- D. Haloperidol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluoxetine. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is primarily treated with psychotherapy, but in some cases, medication is used to manage symptoms like impulsivity and mood swings. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is commonly used to address mood instability and impulsivity in BPD. SSRIs help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood stability and decrease impulsive behaviors. Lithium (choice A) is used for bipolar disorder, not BPD. Lorazepam (choice C) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and not typically recommended for BPD. Haloperidol (choice D) is an antipsychotic used for conditions like schizophrenia and not typically indicated for BPD.
A nurse conducts group therapy on the eating disorders unit. Sessions are scheduled immediately after meals. What is the rationale?
- A. Provide a forum for journaling about foods eaten.
- B. Shift the patients' focus from food to psychotherapy.
- C. Promote processing of anxiety associated with eating.
- D. Focus on weight control mechanisms and food preparation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because scheduling group therapy sessions immediately after meals can help promote processing of anxiety associated with eating. This timing allows patients to address their feelings and thoughts about food in a supportive environment, leading to better understanding and management of their anxieties. Choice A is incorrect because journaling about foods eaten is not the primary purpose of group therapy sessions. Choice B is incorrect as the main focus is on addressing anxiety related to eating disorders, not shifting focus to psychotherapy. Choice D is incorrect as weight control mechanisms and food preparation are not the main objectives of group therapy for eating disorders.
A severely depressed patient with psychomotor retardation has begun activities therapy. His schedule is: 9 AM, ceramics; 10 AM, exercise group; 11 AM to noon, open; noon, lunch. The nurse creating the patient's schedule should opt to fill the hour block from 11 AM to noon with:
- A. Group therapy.
- B. A rest period.
- C. Reminiscence group.
- D. Individual counseling.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A rest period. Providing a rest period during the hour block from 11 AM to noon is crucial for a severely depressed patient with psychomotor retardation. This patient may experience fatigue and decreased energy levels due to their condition. Allowing for a rest period can help prevent overstimulation and promote relaxation, which is essential for mental well-being. Group therapy (choice A) may be too overwhelming for the patient at this time. Reminiscence group (choice C) may not be as beneficial for immediate symptom management. Individual counseling (choice D) may be helpful but may not align with the patient's immediate need for rest and relaxation.
Which of the following is a common physical sign of anorexia nervosa?
- A. Hypoglycemia and tachycardia.
- B. Severe weight loss and dry skin.
- C. Increased appetite and excessive weight gain.
- D. High blood pressure and rapid heart rate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe weight loss and dry skin. In anorexia nervosa, individuals typically experience significant weight loss due to severe restriction of food intake. This leads to a low body weight, which is a key physical sign of the disorder. Dry skin is also common in anorexia nervosa due to malnutrition.
Rationale:
A: Hypoglycemia and tachycardia are not specific physical signs of anorexia nervosa. While tachycardia (rapid heart rate) can occur due to the stress on the body, it is not as specific as severe weight loss.
C: Increased appetite and excessive weight gain are not characteristic of anorexia nervosa, as individuals with this disorder typically have a distorted body image and fear gaining weight.
D: High blood pressure and rapid heart rate are not typical physical signs of anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is more commonly associated with low blood pressure due to mal