Author Question: While the older African-American is at the highest risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, the ... (Read 43 times)

sjones · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

While the older African-American is at the highest risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, the nurse demonstrates an understanding of this disease process's risk factors when assessing this population's:

a. Weight and elimination patterns
b. Heart rate and capillary refill status
c. Blood pressure and glucose serum levels
d. Muscle strength and reflex times

Question 2

The following are true statements about bipolar disorders in older adults except:

a. Bipolar disorder often results in 'a leveling out' of symptoms as one ages.
b. Relapses in bipolar disorder tend to be precipitated by medical problems.
c. Older adults with bipolar disorder tend to be 'rapid cyclers'.
d. Bipolar disorder is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in older adults.
e. Antidepressant medication can cause an increase in manic behavior.

bblaney · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
African-Americans are about twice as likely to have AD as whites. The higher incidence of hypertension and diabetes in these populations may increase the risk of AD. There is no current research to support a relationship between the other options and the development of AD.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in older adults. Bipolar disorders tend to level out in later life, and individuals tend to have longer periods of depression. Relapses in older adults are usually precipitated by medical problems. Older adults tend to be rapid cyclers, cycling from mania to deep depression in a much shorter period of time than they did when they were younger. Depression was a frequent misdiagnosis and those with bipolar disorder were prescribed antidepressant medications, which inadvertently placed them at risk for manic episodes and increased risk of rapid cycling.