Age Specific Care Quiz Related

Review Age Specific Care Quiz related questions and content

Which of the following should the nurse use as a basis for explaining the etiology of Alzheimer's disease to the family of a client with this disease?

  • A. It is a secondary dementia indicated by loss of recent memory and disorientation to time and place.
  • B. It is a primary dementia that is incurable, irreversible, and fatal. It is caused by the presence of a beta-amyloid protein in the neurons resulting in senile plaques.
  • C. It is a secondary dementia that is treatable with analysis of the diet and removal of toxic substances from the diet and environment.
  • D. It is a primary dementia characterized by stepwise decreases in cognitive abilities. It is irreversible but treatable with antihypertensive medications.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Alzheimer's disease is a primary dementia that is characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid protein in neurons leading to the formation of senile plaques. This explanation is accurate as it describes the key pathological process underlying Alzheimer's disease.

Choice A is incorrect because Alzheimer's disease is a primary dementia, not a secondary dementia. Choice C is incorrect because the etiology of Alzheimer's disease is not related to diet or toxic substances, so it is not treatable in that way. Choice D is incorrect because while Alzheimer's disease is irreversible, it is not treatable with antihypertensive medications as these medications are not effective in managing the disease process of Alzheimer's.