An older client with mild dementia of the Alzheimer's type is ...

[bclement10]

An older client with mild dementia of the Alzheimer's type is started on donepezil (Aricept). The client's daughter asks the nurse how long it will take for her mother to be cured. Which response by the nurse is correct?
 
  1. Cure rates vary by individuals and will take about six weeks to determine.
  2. It takes about two weeks for the neurochemical cure to occur.
  3. As long as she continues to take the medication, she will be symptom-free but not cured.
  4. The medication will improve her memory but not cure the dementia.

Question 2

The nurse has just received a report on a new client admitted for depression. The client has severe cerebral palsy, communicates only with a computer, and is quadriplegic.
 
  Which of the following statements best demonstrates that the nurse has the ability to respond to this client? 1. I will read the record and talk with the physician to understand the client's disabilities.
  2. It is important to interview the client's family before I meet the client.
  3. This assignment may be a challenge for me and I will need to be aware of my feelings and any potential fears related to caring for this client.
  4. The first thing I will do is thoroughly assess the client's needs and abilities.

[C.mcnichol98]

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale: Acetylcholinesteras e inhibitors target the symptom of memory loss but do not cure the underlying disease process that is progressive. The medication will not ensure that the client will be symptom-free. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's dementia; therefore, the time frames given in the other answers do not apply.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: Acknowledging that caring for the client may be a challenge is the correct answer. Self-awareness of one's feelings and potential emotional responses to a situation is essential to develop empathy. The nurse recognizes that before meeting any client, it is important to recognize one's feelings and clarify beliefs and attitudes, especially when receiving medical information that might be unusual or even frightening. Assessing the client's needs and abilities and interviewing the family may be helpful in caring for this client, but will not necessarily enhance the nurse's self-awareness. Reading the record and talking with the physician demonstrates that the nurse has difficulty confronting feelings and will rely on others for guidance.

[bclement10]

Excellent

[Jossy]

TYSM