Author Question: A client has had Alzheimer's dementia for a period of time and continues to live at home with his ... (Read 23 times)

Lobcity · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client has had Alzheimer's dementia for a period of time and continues to live at home with his spouse. Which of the following is the gerontological nurse's responsibility?

1. Make sure the client is being prescribed appropriate medication.
2. Provide support for the spouse.
3. Assess the client early to ensure proper care.
4. Find a suitable long-term care facility for the client.

Question 2

A nurse who works in a long-term care facility has noticed that one of the residents has been showing signs of impaired cognitive and self care abilities over the last 2 weeks. The nurse should:

1. Remember that memory loss is a normal, age-related change.
2. Investigate for possible physiologic problems.
3. Instruct the staff to be extra attentive as this person needs more assistance.
4. Inform the resident's family that the resident probably has some form of dementia.

cici · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Medication prescription is not a nursing responsibility
Rationale 2: The nurse's responsibility is to provide supportive nursing care, accurate information, and referral assistance, if necessary, to the caregiver. Caregivers may experience physical and emotional exhaustion while they render continuous care.
Rationale 3: It is important for the nurse to do an ongoing assessment of both the client and the caregiver as the client's condition deteriorates.
Rationale 4: The nurse's responsibility is to provide supportive nursing care, accurate information, and referral assistance, if necessary, but finding a suitable long term facility is not a nursing responsibility.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Cognitive impairment that interferes with normal life is not considered part of normal aging. A decline in intellectual abilities that interferes with social or occupational functions should always be regarded as abnormal and investigated.
Rationale 2: Cognitive impairment that interferes with normal life is not considered part of normal aging. A decline in intellectual abilities that interferes with social or occupational functions should always be regarded as abnormal and investigated.
Rationale 3: This option does not address the loss of function the client is experiencing.
Rationale 4: This option is premature and not within the scope of nursing practice.