A nurse discusses recent changes with a 74-year-old client. The ...

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A nurse discusses recent changes with a 74-year-old client. The client is distraught stating, I forgot an important appointment; and I lost my wallet The older adult has always cherished being intelligent, alert, and informed,
 
  so even minor lapses in cognition are a source of stress. How should the nurse best interpret these recent deficits in memory?
 
  A) The older adult is likely experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer disease.
  B) The older adult is likely experiencing a temporary state of delirium that will self-resolve.
  C) The older adult may be experiencing age-related changes in personality.
  D) The older adult may be experiencing mild cognitive impairment.

Question 2

A 69-year-old has recently been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and has asked the nurse to help her remember things better. Which of the following nursing diagnoses is appropriate for this older adult?
 
  A) Knowledge deficit
  B) Altered thought processes
  C) Health-seeking behaviors
  D) Altered health maintenance

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Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
Healthy older adults will not experience any significant cognitive impairment that interferes with daily life, but they will notice minor deficits in some aspects of cognitive function and improvements in other aspects. Longitudinal studies have identified patterns of cognitive change that are likely to occur even in the absence of any pathologic processes. This does not rule out the possibility of dementia or delirium, but a fundamental change in personality is unlikely.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
The nursing diagnosis of health-seeking behaviors is defined as the state in which an individual in stable health actively seeks ways to alter personal health habits and/or the environment in order to move toward a higher level of wellness. The older adult is seeking help from the nurse to remember things better so this is the most appropriate diagnosis.

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