The nurse is administering donepezil (Aricept) to a patient with ...

[natalie2426]

The nurse is administering donepezil (Aricept) to a patient with stage 1 Alzheimer's dis-ease. Based on this drug's mechanism of action, the nurse will seek evidence of im-provement in the patient's:
 
  a. Social behaviors
  b. Existing delusions
  c. Ability to tolerate stress
  d. Ability to remember recent events

Question 2

An elderly patient with dementia has a nursing diagnosis of self-care deficit: bathing, hy-giene. She lives alone and the nursing assessment proves reason to believe she has forgot-ten how to perform hygiene and bathing activities.
 
  Which intervention is most appropriate for this patient?
  a. Bathe daily with reminders.
  b. Bathe twice weekly with assistance.
  c. Patient will be provided with in-home nursing care.
  d. Patient will be transferred to an assisted living facility.

[Sophiapenny]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases the concentration of acetylcholine. Ace-tylcholine is needed for intact memory and for learning. This medication is not prescribed for the conditions identified in the remaining options.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Bathing twice weekly would be a realistic goal. Assistance should be provided, both to pre-vent falls and to regulate shower temperature. The elderly are advised not to bathe daily be-cause it is too drying to their skin. The remaining options are not supported by the infor-mation given in the scenario.