Answer to Question 1
D
Cholinesterase inhibitors produce modest improvements in cognition, behavior, and function and may slightly delay disease progression; they do not have a major impact on delaying progression of the disease. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common side effects. Drugs that block cholinergic receptors, including antihistamines, can reduce therapeutic effects and should be avoided. Cho-linesterase inhibitors do not affect neurons already damaged, but they do improve function in those not yet affected.
Answer to Question 2
B, D, F
Patients taking lithium can develop a mild, reversible leukocytosis, so annual CBC evaluation with differential is recommended. Chronic lithium use is associated with degenerative changes in the kidneys, so renal function should be assessed annually. Lithium can reduce the incorporation of iodine into thyroid hormone and can inhibit thyroid secretion; therefore, thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels should be measured annually. Lithium is affected by sodium levels but not by calcium or potassium levels. Because lithium is excreted by the kidneys, hepatic function tests are not indicated.
The general survey includes assessing every patient for signs of distress.
Patient teaching: lung assessment
Serotonin and Risk-Taking Behavior
A physical therapist exercising the patient’s leg in a physical therapy department.
Primary causes of chronic liver disease in the United States.
Variations in patient response to drugs