The spouse of a patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) asks, Can ...

[joblessjake]

The spouse of a patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) asks, Can you give me a simple explanation of what happened in my partner's brain? Select the nurse's best response.
 
  a. Dementia developed.
  b. The brain became overstimulated with chemical messages.
  c. Brain cells and chemical messengers that form memories are dying.
  d. The substantia nigra, a tissue that makes dopamine, has degenerated.

Question 2

A patient in the emergency room is suspected to have an overdose of benzodiazepines. Which assessment findings validate this diagnosis? Select all that apply.
 
  a. Blood pressure 180/94 mm Hg
  b. Diminished reflexes
  c. Hypervigilance
  d. Somnolence
  e. Confusion

[steff9894]

Answer to Question 1

C
The pathology that should be simply explained is that AD is characterized by neuronal degeneration of the brain and deficiencies of neurotransmitters. Degeneration of the substantia nigra is associated with Parkinson's disease.

Answer to Question 2

B, D, E
Benzodiazepine toxicity may result from an overdose. Assessment findings include hypotension, somnolence, confusion, and diminished reflexes.

[joblessjake]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[ecabral0]

Great answer, keep it coming