Your patient is on donepezil HCL. This tells you your patient has which disorder?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Dementia. Donepezil HCL is a medication commonly used in the treatment of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily activities. Donepezil works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function in individuals with dementia. Option B) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Donepezil is not indicated for the treatment of OCD. Option C) Major depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. Donepezil is not typically used in the treatment of major depression. Option D) Delirium is a sudden onset of confusion and changes in cognition that can be caused by various medical conditions. Donepezil is not indicated for the treatment of delirium. In an educational context, understanding the medications commonly used to treat specific disorders is crucial for nursing practice. By knowing that donepezil is used for dementia, nurses can effectively administer and monitor this medication for their patients with cognitive impairments. This knowledge helps in providing safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct therapeutic reply is option C, "You seem upset, Mavis. Let's go for a walk and talk." This response demonstrates empathy, active listening, and a person-centered approach, which are crucial when caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Option A, "Nobody here hates you, Mavis," may come across as dismissive and invalidating of Mavis's feelings. People with Alzheimer's may have difficulty processing reassurances and may need more concrete actions to address their emotional distress. Option B, "Why do you feel hated, Mavis?" might make Mavis feel defensive or misunderstood. It puts the onus on her to explain her emotions when she may not have the cognitive capacity to do so, given her condition. Option D, "It's time for your medication, Mavis," neglects Mavis's emotional needs and reduces her distress to a medical problem. It fails to address her current emotional state and does not promote a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Educationally, this scenario highlights the importance of communication skills, empathy, and person-centered care when interacting with patients with psychobiologic disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Active listening, acknowledging emotions, and offering support are essential strategies in managing challenging behaviors and emotions in patients with cognitive impairments.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In caring for a patient with Alzheimer's disease, it is crucial for the nurse to understand the nature of the disorder to provide effective care. Option B, "Will most likely have memory impairment particularly for recent events," is the correct answer. Alzheimer's disease primarily affects short-term memory, making it difficult for patients to retain recent information or events. This impairment is a hallmark characteristic of the disease due to the progressive damage it causes to the brain. Option A, "Should be able to remember teaching that was done yesterday," is incorrect because individuals with Alzheimer's disease struggle with retaining new information, including recent teachings. Their ability to recall information deteriorates as the disease advances. Option C, "Will most likely continue to be able to perform activities of daily living like dressing and grooming," is incorrect. While some individuals may retain these skills in the early stages of the disease, as Alzheimer's progresses, patients may struggle with basic activities of daily living due to cognitive decline and memory loss. Option D, "The disease often stabilizes at one level," is incorrect. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that worsens over time. It does not stabilize but leads to a decline in cognitive function, memory, and overall ability to perform daily tasks. In an educational context, understanding the specific manifestations of Alzheimer's disease is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and support for patients and their families. By recognizing the patterns of memory impairment associated with the disease, nurses can tailor interventions to help patients cope with their cognitive challenges and maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. In the case of Andrea's mother, the gradual onset and worsening of forgetfulness over 15 years are indicative of a chronic, degenerative condition like Alzheimer's. Option A) Depression is unlikely to be the correct diagnosis in this case because although depression can affect memory and cognitive function, the gradual decline over 15 years is more characteristic of a neurodegenerative disorder like Alzheimer's. Option C) Hyperthyroidism is also an unlikely diagnosis as it typically presents with symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, and heat intolerance, rather than primarily cognitive decline and memory loss. Option D) Delirium is characterized by acute changes in cognition and attention, often due to an underlying medical condition or medication, and does not align with the chronic, progressive nature of Andrea's mother's symptoms. In an educational context, understanding the differences between these conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately assess and diagnose patients presenting with cognitive changes. Recognizing the distinct clinical features of each condition is essential for providing appropriate care and interventions tailored to the specific needs of the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Cocaine. Poor impulse control, rapid speech, and hypertension are characteristic symptoms of cocaine abuse due to its stimulant effects on the central nervous system. Cocaine increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to a surge in energy, talkativeness, and heightened alertness. These effects contribute to the impulsive behavior and rapid speech seen in individuals abusing cocaine. Additionally, cocaine can also lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate, resulting in hypertension. Alcohol (option A) is a depressant that typically causes slowed speech, sedation, and decreased inhibitions, rather than rapid speech and poor impulse control. Heroin (option B) is an opioid that produces effects such as euphoria, drowsiness, and respiratory depression, not rapid speech and hypertension. LSD (option D) is a hallucinogen that can cause altered perceptions and sensations but is not typically associated with poor impulse control, rapid speech, or hypertension. In an educational context, understanding the specific effects of different substances on the body is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses and doctors working in settings where substance abuse is prevalent. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, such as those exhibited by individuals using cocaine, is essential for providing appropriate care, interventions, and support to patients struggling with addiction. This knowledge also informs patient education and prevention efforts aimed at promoting healthy behaviors and reducing substance abuse-related harm.