Which theory of etiology of Alzheimer's disease, suggested by current research, might the nurse use to help a family understand that this disorder is not of psychosocial origin? Alzheimer's disease is associated with:
- A. @-amyloid protein deposits in the brain
- B. Abnormal serotonin reuptake
- C. Excessive acetylcholine in the frontal cortex
- D. Prion infection of gray matter
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: @-amyloid protein deposits in the brain. This theory of Alzheimer's etiology is supported by current research, indicating that the accumulation of @-amyloid protein plaques in the brain is a key characteristic of the disease. These plaques lead to neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Option B, abnormal serotonin reuptake, is not associated with Alzheimer's. Option C, excessive acetylcholine in the frontal cortex, is incorrect as Alzheimer's is characterized by acetylcholine deficiency. Option D, prion infection of gray matter, is not linked to Alzheimer's disease. In summary, the presence of @-amyloid protein deposits in the brain is a key feature of Alzheimer's pathology, distinguishing it from psychosocial origins.
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A community mental health nurse is assigned to investigate the frequent school absences of an 11-year-old child. The nurse finds the child home alone, caring for his 1- and 3-year-old siblings. The house is cluttered and dirty, and both parents are at work. The child tells the nurse that whenever his mother is called to work at her part-time job, he must watch the kids because the family cannot afford a babysitter. Based on the information obtained thus far, what preliminary assessment can be made?
- A. The child is coping well with a difficult situation.
- B. The child and his siblings are experiencing neglect.
- C. The children are at high risk for sexual abuse.
- D. The children are experiencing physical abuse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The child and his siblings are experiencing neglect. Neglect is defined as failure to provide for a child's basic needs, such as supervision, food, shelter, and medical care. In this scenario, the child is left alone to care for his younger siblings, indicating a lack of appropriate supervision and care from the parents. The house being cluttered and dirty further suggests neglect in terms of living conditions.
Choice A is incorrect because the child is not coping well; rather, he is forced into a caretaker role beyond his developmental capacity. Choice C is incorrect as there is no information provided to suggest sexual abuse. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence of physical abuse in the scenario.
Because there is considerable overlap among the types of schizophrenia, and because patterns of behavior shift over time, many patients are simply classified as suffering from schizophrenia
- A. borderline
- B. atypical
- C. mixed
- D. undifferentiated
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Undifferentiated schizophrenia is diagnosed when symptoms don't clearly fit other subtypes, reflecting overlap and shifting patterns.
A patient is currently in an abusive relationship with the father of her only child and tells a nurse that her partner 'is really sorry for hitting me and wants to come back and be part of the family again.' The nurse should provide which intervention?
- A. Share with the patient that abusers seldom voluntarily stop abusing.
- B. Identify groups that focus on treatment for individuals who are abusive.
- C. Tell the patient to continue the relationship, but focus on how to minimize the abuse.
- D. Tell the patient's partner that any continued abuse will be reported to the police.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Identify groups that focus on treatment for individuals who are abusive. This intervention is appropriate because it addresses the root cause of the abusive behavior, which is the partner's abusive tendencies. By connecting the abuser to groups that specialize in treating abusive behavior, there is a chance for change and rehabilitation.
A: Sharing with the patient that abusers seldom voluntarily stop abusing may not be helpful as it does not provide a proactive solution to address the abusive behavior.
C: Telling the patient to continue the relationship and focus on minimizing the abuse is dangerous as it normalizes and enables the abusive behavior, putting the patient at further risk.
D: Threatening the patient's partner with reporting to the police may escalate the situation and put the patient at higher risk of harm. It does not address the underlying issue of the partner's abusive behavior.
The client has been taking lithium and fluoxetine (Prozac) for almost a week. During today's assessment, the nurse notes a temperature of 39°C, muscle rigidity, and confusion. The client's signs and symptoms suggest:
- A. Dystonic reactions
- B. Bradykinesic side effects
- C. Extrapyramidal side effects
- D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This is indicated by the client's elevated temperature, muscle rigidity, and confusion, which are classic symptoms of NMS. NMS is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition associated with the use of antipsychotic medications like lithium and fluoxetine. The onset of NMS is often rapid and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Dystonic reactions (choice A) involve sudden and involuntary muscle contractions, which are not consistent with the client's symptoms. Bradykinesic side effects (choice B) refer to slowed movements, which are not present in this case. Extrapyramidal side effects (choice C) typically include symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and restlessness, but do not encompass the combination of symptoms seen in NMS.
Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient with bulimia nervosa who engages in frequent purging behaviors?
- A. Ineffective coping related to inability to control impulses.
- B. Risk for injury related to electrolyte imbalances.
- C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to food refusal.
- D. Disturbed body image related to fear of weight gain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for injury related to electrolyte imbalances. Patients with bulimia nervosa who engage in frequent purging behaviors are at risk for electrolyte imbalances due to loss of potassium, sodium, and other essential minerals. This can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and organ damage. Monitoring and addressing electrolyte imbalances is crucial in the care of these patients to prevent potential harm.
A: Ineffective coping related to inability to control impulses is not the most appropriate diagnosis as it does not directly address the immediate risk of electrolyte imbalances in this scenario.
C: Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to food refusal is not the most appropriate diagnosis as the primary concern in bulimia nervosa with purging behaviors is the risk of electrolyte imbalances, not necessarily inadequate food intake.
D: Disturbed body image related to fear of weight gain is not the most appropriate diagnosis as it does not address the immediate physical health risks