A patient has been diagnosed with dementia secondary to cerebral ...

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A patient has been diagnosed with dementia secondary to cerebral disease. The family members note the patient has not been as sharp as he once was and that he has devel-oped urinary incontinence and a gait disturbance.
 
  Which pathophysiology can cause such symptoms?
  a. Normal pressure hydrocephalus
  b. Vitamin B12 deficiency
  c. Hepatic disease
  d. Tuberculosis

Question 2

When asked about the prognosis for a patient diagnosed with a dementia secondary to normal pressure hydrocephalus the nurse replies:
 
  a. Unfortunately the prognosis is for a downhill course ending in death.
  b. There will be good days and bad days for the rest of the patient's life.
  c. The symptoms generally remit after a shunt is inserted to drain fluid.
  d. We'll try our very best, but only time will tell how successful we are.

[mariahkathleeen]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a disorder characterized by dementia, gait disorder, and urinary incontinence. Dilation of ventricles in the absence of increased CSF is a prominent manifestation. Early urinary incontinence is not seen in the disorders listed in the other op-tions.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
By relieving the cause, the symptoms of secondary dementias are largely reversible. The statements reflected in the other options do not reflect this fact.