Age Specific Care

Age Specific Care Related

Review Age Specific Care related questions and content

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, planning, and social behavior, functions commonly impaired in schizophrenia. The limbic cortex regulates emotions and memory, areas affected in schizophrenia. Medulla (A, C) controls basic functions like breathing, not implicated in schizophrenia. Cerebellum (B) coordinates movement, unrelated to schizophrenia. Hypothalamus (C) regulates hormones, not directly linked to schizophrenia. In summary, D is correct as prefrontal and limbic cortices are key brain regions affected in schizophrenia, while the other choices are not directly involved in the disorder.

You may also like to solve these questions

Which nursing diagnosis is likely to apply to an individual diagnosed with a serious mental illness who is homeless?

  • A. Insomnia
  • B. Substance abuse
  • C. Chronic low self-esteem
  • D. Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Many individuals with serious mental illness do not live with their families and become homeless. Life on the street or in a shelter has a negative influence on the individuals self-esteem, making this nursing diagnosis one that should be considered. Substance abuse is not an approved NANDA-International diagnosis. Insomnia may be noted in some patients but is not a universal problem. Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome refers to persistent disorientation, which is not seen in a majority of the homeless.

A much-feared outcome of Alzheimer's disease is

  • A. functional psychosis
  • B. paranoia
  • C. general paresis
  • D. senile dementia
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Senile dementia is a progressive cognitive decline feared in Alzheimer's, impairing memory and daily functioning.

An individual brought by ambulance to the emergency room is accompanied by a roommate. The patient fights against the restraints and shouts incoherently. The roommate reports that the patient was weak and confused on awakening this morning and about 3 hours ago began "rambling and talking crazy." A nurse notes that the patient's skin is flushed and dry. The priority nursing action is to:

  • A. take the patient's vital signs.
  • B. start intravenous fluids.
  • C. administer a sedative.
  • D. perform a mental status examination.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: take the patient's vital signs. This is the priority action because the patient is exhibiting signs of potential medical emergency, such as altered mental status, flushed and dry skin, and confusion. Vital signs can provide crucial information about the patient's condition and help determine the urgency of the situation. Starting intravenous fluids (B) may be necessary but should be based on the assessment of vital signs first. Administering a sedative (C) is not appropriate without knowing the underlying cause of the symptoms. Performing a mental status examination (D) is important but not the priority in this situation where the patient's physical condition needs immediate attention.

In the elderly, administering medication is a great concern for the nurse since these patients are more prone to side effects. The primary cause of this is:

  • A. Altered circulation and renal function
  • B. Accelerated gastrointestinal system
  • C. Enlarged Lymph nodes
  • D. Musculoskeletal system weakness
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The elderly are more likely to have side effects when there is altered metabolism through the kidneys and liver as well as altered circulatory function (A), unlike the other options (B, C, D) which are less relevant.

A patient with fluctuating levels of awareness, confusion, and disorientation shouts, 'The bugs, they are crawling on my legs! Get them off me!' The nurse's inspections show that no bugs are present. The nurse can best assess this presentation as:

  • A. Perseveration.
  • B. Hypermetamorphosis.
  • C. Tactile hallucinations.
  • D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tactile hallucinations. Tactile hallucinations involve the perception of physical sensations such as bugs crawling on the skin when no external stimuli are present. In this scenario, the patient's complaint of bugs crawling on their legs despite the nurse's inspection confirming the absence of bugs indicates a sensory hallucination, specifically a tactile one. This is different from perseveration (repetition of a particular response or activity) and hypermetamorphosis (excessive attention to environmental details). Choosing "None of the above" would not address the specific symptom of tactile hallucinations described in the patient's presentation.

Copyright © 2025 Nokea. All rights reserved.