ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 38 : Neurocognitive Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse makes a home visit to a family caring for a client with Alzheimer?s disease. The client?s wife tells the nurse that she hasn?t been out of the house for more than 2 weeks because her sister has been unable to help her care for the client. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse identify as the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Caregiver Role Strain (
C) is the priority, as the wife?s social isolation and inability to leave the house directly indicate the burden of caregiving. Ineffective Family Coping (
A) is less specific, as it focuses on the family unit. Activity Intolerance (
B) pertains to the client, not the caregiver. Powerlessness (
D) is relevant but less immediate than role strain.
Question 2 of 5
A daughter brings her mother, who has Alzheimer?s disease, to the clinic. The client has been taking a cholinesterase inhibitor medication for 1 month. When assessing the client, the nurse would be alert for the possibility of which side effect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cholinesterase inhibitors, used for Alzheimer?s, commonly cause gastrointestinal distress (
A) due to increased acetylcholine activity affecting the digestive system. Headaches (
B), muscle tics (
C), and blurred vision (
D) are less common side effects of these medications.
Question 3 of 5
A son brings his mother to the clinic for an evaluation. The son?s mother has moderate Alzheimer?s disease without delirium. The nurse assesses the client for which of the following as the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Catastrophic reactions (
D), emotional overreactions to minor stressors, are a priority in moderate Alzheimer?s due to their impact on safety and care. Hearing deficits (
A) are less urgent unless indicated. Mania (
B) is not typical in Alzheimer?s. Strange verbalizations (
C) may occur but are less critical than behavioral reactions.
Question 4 of 5
A client is admitted to the hospital with dementia related to Parkinson?s disease. The client is being treated for a fractured tibia from a recent fall. The nurse should assess the client?s history for use of which type of medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dopamine agonists (
B) are commonly used to manage motor symptoms in Parkinson?s disease, which can cause dementia. Their use is critical to assess due to potential side effects like confusion or falls. Anticholinergics (
A) may worsen cognition, anxiolytics (
C) and benzodiazepines (
D) are less specific to Parkinson?s.
Question 5 of 5
While the nurse is caring for a hospitalized client in the advanced stages of Alzheimer?s disease, the client begins to have a catastrophic reaction to feeding himself. Which of the following should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Remaining calm and reassuring (
A) is the first step to de-escalate a catastrophic reaction in Alzheimer?s, creating a safe environment. Restraining (
B) may increase agitation, darkening the room (
C) is less relevant, and offering to feed (
D) addresses the task but not the immediate emotional distress.