Treatment for early PD in an otherwise healthy older patient without significant functional impairment should begin with:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dopamine agonist. In early PD, dopamine agonists are preferred due to their lower risk of motor complications compared to levodopa. Dopamine agonists help improve motor symptoms by directly stimulating dopamine receptors. COMT inhibitors are usually used in combination with levodopa to prolong its effects. Levodopa is effective but can lead to motor complications with long-term use. Careful observation is not a treatment strategy and delays symptom management. Therefore, starting with a dopamine agonist is the most suitable option for early PD to manage symptoms effectively with minimal risk of motor complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Suggest that you discuss this further after getting to know the patient and family a little better. This response allows the healthcare provider to gather more information about the patient's beliefs, values, and preferences before making a decision. It demonstrates respect for the autonomy of the patient and involves a collaborative approach with the family. It also allows time to assess the patient's emotional and psychological readiness to receive the diagnosis. Incorrect answers: A: This answer disregards the patient's autonomy and does not consider the emotional impact of delivering such news without proper assessment. B: While respecting the son's wishes is important, prioritizing the patient's well-being and autonomy should come first. D: Relying solely on the family's perspective without considering the patient's own wishes and understanding may lead to ethical issues and potential harm to the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking. This is legal throughout the United States because it is considered a patient's right to refuse food and water, even if it may lead to death. This decision is based on the principle of patient autonomy and respects the patient's wishes. Euthanasia (A) involves actively causing death, which is illegal in the United States. Palliative sedation (B) is providing medication to relieve suffering, but not with the intention of hastening death. Physician-assisted death (D) involves a physician providing medication for a patient to self-administer to end their life, which is not legal in all states.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because beneficiaries do have out-of-pocket expenses for each prescription filled under Medicare Part D. This is typically in the form of copayments or coinsurance. A: Medicare Advantage plans often include Part D coverage, making statement A true. B: There are indeed multiple companies offering Part D plans, so statement B is true. C: The monthly premium for Part D coverage can vary, but in 2019 it was indeed around $30, making statement C true as well.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) typically provide the majority of direct patient care in nursing homes. CNAs assist with activities of daily living, monitoring patients' health, and providing emotional support. This is true in most nursing homes as they play a crucial role in patient care. Rationale: - A: Most nurses in nursing homes are not necessarily Registered Nurses (RNs), as there are also Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who provide care. - B: LPNs or LVNs may assist with the patient care plan under the supervision of an RN, but they do not typically develop the plan themselves. - D: Staff turnover is a major issue in nursing homes due to various factors such as workload, stress, and burnout among healthcare workers.