Author Question: An older adult is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. The nurse knows that this diagnosis is made on ... (Read 98 times)

mia · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An older adult is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. The nurse knows that this diagnosis is made on the presence of which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

a. A decline from a previous level of func-tioning
b. Fluctuation of symptoms over the course of a 24-hour period
c. An insidious onset
d. A gradual decline in cognitive abilities
e. The cognitive changes worsen in the evening hours

Question 2

An older adult with suspected Parkinson's Disease has a challenge test performed in order to confirm the diagnosis. The nurse understands that a challenge test will demonstrate which of the following?

a. Immediate reversal of all symptoms of Parkinson's Disease after administration of levodopa
b. Dramatic improvement of symptoms of Parkinson's Disease after administration of levodopa
c. Dramatic improvement in gait only after administration of levodopa
d. Dramatic improvement in tremor only af-ter administration of levodopa

miss.ashley · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C, D
A diagnosis of a NCD due to AD requires (1) a decline from a previous level of functioning, (2) an insidious onset, and (3) a gradual decline in cognitive abilities. It is important to note that the changes are greater than expected for the person's age and educational background and these changes can be documented with standardized neuropsychological testing. Options B and D are indicative of delirium.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is confirmed by a challenge test when symptoms improve dramatically after the administration of the medication levodopa.