Author Question: A 45-year-old patient shows marked cognitive impairment that has developed progressively over ... (Read 76 times)

bobbysung · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A 45-year-old patient shows marked cognitive impairment that has developed progressively over several months. A family member reports the patient's father had early-onset dementia.

What research-based information can be given to the family in response to their concerns about the patient developing early-onset dementia? a. The risk for developing the condition is about 50 only if both parents were affected.
b. The greatest risk exists for relatives of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer disease before age 55 years.
c. Added risk is present only for people with Down syndrome, so relatives without Down syndrome are essentially safe.
d. Results of the research on genetic predisposition and its effect on the development of early-onset dementia are still unclear.

Question 2

Which individual would a nurse consider to be at the highest risk for the onset of stress-related problems?

a. A patient whose beloved parent died 3 months ago and who has lost a job because of corporate restructuring. The patient states, Living with loss and the threat of loss makes me feel helpless..
b. A patient who was passed over for promotion and quit to start a new business. The patient states, This is just one of a series of challenges I've faced in my life..
c. A patient who is graduating from college and will be married in one month. The patient states, I'm anticipating the changes these events will make in my life..
d. A married patient whose new business is growing slowly and who plans to adopt a child. The patient says, I think I'm in control of my destiny..

elizabethrperez · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
The risk for development of Alzheimer disease (AD) is greater for relatives of people with the illness than it is for those with no family history of AD. An individual with one parent with early-onset AD has a 50 chance of developing it before the age of 55 years as well. Those offspring who do not inherit early-onset AD do not pass it on to their own children and presumably have the same risk of developing AD much later in life as does the general population. Down syndrome does appear to be a risk factor for early-onset AD

Answer to Question 2

A
The patient who has lost a parent and a job is dealing with two stressful life events that are socially undesirable. The patient's cognitive appraisal of the stressors is that of loss and threat of loss. The patient gives no indication of psychological hardiness. The other people described are dealing with change they perceive as challenging but to which they are committed and over which they have some control. These factors indicate psychological hardiness.