The patient receives tacrine (Cognex) as treatment for ...

[appyboo]

The patient receives tacrine (Cognex) as treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Which laboratory test(s) will the nurse primarily assess?
 
  1. Serum amylase levels
  2. Complete blood count
  3. Renal function tests
  4. Liver function tests

Question 2

The patient has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. What is the best medication education the nurse gives to the patient's husband?
 
  1. The medication may help her symptoms for a little while.
  2. The medication has serious side effects if used for a long time.
  3. Her symptoms will improve as long as she takes the medication.
  4. Her symptoms should begin improving in a few days.

[dmurph1496]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Tacrine (Cognex) is hepatotoxic and requires monitoring of liver function tests (LFTs) in any patient who is receiving this drug. Tacrine (Cognex) does not affect renal function; so monitoring of renal function tests is not required. Tacrine (Cognex) does not affect pancreatic function; so monitoring of serum amylase levels is not required. Tacrine (Cognex) does not affect blood counts; so monitoring of complete blood counts (CBC) is not required.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Medications will only slow the progression of the disease. Improvement with medication usually only lasts a matter of months. It takes a minimum of 1 to 4 weeks to begin to see improvement. The medications do not have serious side effects and are usually not used over a long period of time.

[appyboo]

TY

[dmurph1496]

You're welcome