Question 1

A patient with vascular dementia does not remember family members' names. The family insistently reorients the patient, and the patient becomes more agitated. What is the most likely reason for the patient's reaction? The patient is:

Accepted Answer

Reorientation in this case presents a demand that exceeds the patient's capacity to function and creates stress. In this situation, it would be more humane to visit the patient and communicate love and acceptance without being concerned about whether or not the patient can remember names.

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with dementia is watching a crime story on television. Suddenly, the patient begins to yell, "Stop! He's got a gun." What is the nurse's best intervention?

Accepted Answer

Patients with cognitive deficits might be overwhelmed by stimuli and might misperceive something on television as occurring in reality. If this occurs, stimuli should be reduced to simplify the environment. The other measures would be somewhat less effective, because they do not include removing the offending stimulus (the television).

Question 3

A patient has coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. The patient has risk factors for:

Accepted Answer

Risk factors for strokes causing dementia include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and diabetes. These health problems are not associated with the other dementias mentioned.

Question 4

Which vector is associated with transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease?

Accepted Answer

Contaminated meat is the vector for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Dog ticks are the vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Mosquitoes are the vector for encephalitis. Airborne particles spread tuberculosis.

Question 5

Which aspects of assessment are most important for a patient with diffuse Lewy body disease who is agitated? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Patients with dementia who exhibit disruptive behavior might be delirious, confused, or in pain. Because they cannot make their needs known, the nurse should investigate all possible causes. Agitation may result from urinary retention. Heart sounds are not likely to be affected.

Question 6

A newly admitted patient diagnosed with AD has demonstrated apraxia. The nurse should assist the patient with:

Accepted Answer

Apraxia is the inability to carry out motor activities despite intact motor function. The patient activity that would be altered by lack of motor function is grooming and hygiene.

Quiz 28: Cognitive Disorders