A community health nurse is preparing an educational activity on Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include as the greatest risk for this disease?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of Alzheimer's disease, the correct answer is B) Age. This is because advancing age is the single greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. As individuals grow older, the risk of developing this condition increases significantly. This is attributed to the natural aging process, which can lead to changes in the brain that make individuals more susceptible to developing Alzheimer's. Genetics (option A) also play a role in Alzheimer's disease, but it is not as significant as age. While having a family history of the disease can increase one's risk, age remains the primary factor. History of Down syndrome (option C) is a risk factor for early-onset Alzheimer's disease, but it is not as common as age-related Alzheimer's. Androgen deprivation therapy (option D) is not a recognized risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. In an educational context, it is important for the community health nurse to emphasize the impact of age as the primary risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Understanding this can help individuals take proactive steps to maintain brain health as they age, such as engaging in cognitive activities, staying socially connected, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. By raising awareness about the significance of age in Alzheimer's risk, the nurse can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their brain health as they grow older.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In assessing a patient with bulimia nervosa, monitoring for self-induced vomiting and the use of laxatives after meals is crucial. This behavior is characteristic of bulimia nervosa, where individuals engage in binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or laxative use to prevent weight gain. By choosing option C, the nurse can identify potential signs of this eating disorder and provide appropriate care and interventions. Option A is incorrect as excessive weight gain and sedentary behavior are not typically associated with bulimia nervosa. Option B describes behaviors more in line with anorexia nervosa, where individuals exhibit extreme weight loss and restrict their food intake significantly. Option D describes binge eating followed by purging behaviors, which is indeed a characteristic of bulimia nervosa. However, the specific purging behaviors mentioned in option C (self-induced vomiting and laxative use) are more indicative of bulimia nervosa than just general purging. Educationally, understanding the specific behaviors associated with different eating disorders is essential for nurses to accurately assess and provide care for patients with these conditions. By recognizing the unique signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa, nurses can intervene early, provide appropriate support, and help patients on the path to recovery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Agranulocytosis. Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia, is associated with the potential side effect of agranulocytosis, which is a severe decrease in white blood cells. This condition can compromise the patient's immune system, leading to an increased risk of infections and potentially life-threatening consequences. Option A) Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are more commonly associated with typical antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol, rather than clozapine. Clozapine is known for its lower risk of causing EPS. Option C) Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect often associated with long-term use of typical antipsychotic medications rather than clozapine. Option D) Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but serious side effect that can occur with antipsychotic medications, but it is more commonly linked to typical antipsychotics rather than clozapine. Educationally, understanding the side effect profile of medications used in psychiatric nursing is crucial for safe and effective patient care. Monitoring for and recognizing potential side effects like agranulocytosis with clozapine is essential for early intervention and prevention of serious complications in patients with schizophrenia. Nurses play a vital role in medication management and monitoring, making knowledge of potential side effects a cornerstone of their practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is option B because it follows the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) format, which is a standard for problem-oriented charting in healthcare. In this entry, the subjective component (S) includes the patient's self-report of feeling ready to blow up, the objective component (O) describes the observed behavior of pacing and mumbling, the assessment (A) identifies auditory hallucinations, and the plan (P) outlines the intervention given (haloperidol) and its effect. Option A is incorrect because it lacks a clear assessment and plan section, providing more of a narrative than a problem-oriented entry. Option C is vague and does not clearly delineate the components of SOAP. Option D is also incorrect as it does not clearly separate the subjective, objective, assessment, and plan components as required for problem-oriented charting. Educationally, understanding problem-oriented charting is crucial for accurate and concise documentation in healthcare settings. It helps healthcare providers communicate effectively, track patient progress, and make informed decisions about patient care. By adhering to standardized formats like SOAP, healthcare professionals can ensure comprehensive and organized documentation, facilitating continuity of care and promoting patient safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Flat affect. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to deficits in normal emotional responses or other functions. Flat affect specifically refers to a lack of emotional expression, which is a common negative symptom in schizophrenia. Option A) Auditory hallucinations are an example of a positive symptom, not a negative symptom. Positive symptoms involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or experiences. Option B) Disorganized speech is also a positive symptom commonly seen in schizophrenia, characterized by incoherent or illogical speech patterns. Option D) Delusions of persecution are another example of a positive symptom, involving false beliefs of being targeted or harmed by others. Educationally, understanding the distinction between positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia is crucial for nurses working with patients with mental health conditions. Recognizing these symptoms helps in providing appropriate care and support tailored to the individual's needs.