Author Question: The family of a patient diagnosed with AD asks the nurse, How can drugs help our parent? The reply ... (Read 81 times)

dollx · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The family of a patient diagnosed with AD asks the nurse, How can drugs help our parent? The reply that provides the most realistic expectations would be

a. Unfortunately, drugs are not helpful.
b. Drugs are available to stop the disease process.
c. Drugs can help preserve mental abilities for a time.
d. We will teach you ways of helping your parent adjust.

Question 2

Which diagnosis meets criteria for admission to a co-occurring inpatient unit?

a. Bipolar disorder, manic phase, patient has abused alcohol daily to self-medicate
b. Undifferentiated schizophrenia and hallucinations of angels playing harps
c. Major depression, suicidal intent, and a highly lethal suicide plan
d. Anorexia nervosa and 30 underweight

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

Answer to Question 1

C
Medication can elevate acetylcholine (ACh) levels and maintain cognitive abilities for a time. The progress of the disease is not slowed or halted, however. Stating that no help is available is neither therapeutic nor true. Stating that the family will be taught how to help the patient adjust might not be realistic.

Answer to Question 2

A
The patient experiencing a bipolar episode and abusing alcohol would meet criteria for such a diagnosis unit, since its focus is on the treatment of substance abuse and mental illness in a psychiatric hospital setting. The other three patients require acute psychiatric care but do not meet the admitting criteria.