a 56 year old woman has been experiencing memory loss and confusion for the past year the client is diagnosed with alzheimers disease which finding is
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Pathophysiology Final Exam

1. A 56-year-old woman has been experiencing memory loss and confusion for the past year. The client is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Which finding is most characteristic of this disease?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are formed from the buildup of beta-amyloid protein fragments between nerve cells. Choice A, neurofibrillary tangles, are a hallmark of another neurodegenerative disease called Alzheimer's disease. Choice B, demyelination of neurons, is more characteristic of diseases like multiple sclerosis. Choice D, formation of Lewy bodies, is associated with Lewy body dementia, not Alzheimer's disease.

2. A patient is taking alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. What instructions should the nurse provide to ensure the effectiveness of the medication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water, and patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Taking the medication at bedtime (choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to esophageal irritation when lying down. Taking the medication with milk (choice C) is incorrect as it may interfere with the absorption of alendronate. Taking the medication with food (choice D) is not recommended as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

3. An adult patient has begun treatment with fluconazole. The nurse should recognize the need to likely discontinue the drug if the patient develops which of the following signs or symptoms?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Jaundice. Fluconazole, an antifungal medication, can rarely cause hepatotoxicity, which may manifest as jaundice. Monitoring for signs of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice, is crucial during fluconazole therapy. Weight gain, iron deficiency anemia, and hematuria are not commonly associated with fluconazole use and are not indications for discontinuing the drug.

4. A woman with severe visual and auditory deficits is able to identify individuals by running her fingers lightly over her face. Which source is most likely to provide the input that allows for the woman's unique ability?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, special visceral afferent cells. These cells are responsible for functions like taste and smell. In individuals with severe visual and auditory deficits, their other sensory abilities, such as touch, can be heightened. Special somatic afferent fibers (choice A) are involved in sensations like touch and vibration from the skin and muscles, but they are not specific to the face. General somatic afferents (choice B) transmit sensory information from the skin, muscles, and joints, but they are not specialized for the unique ability described. General visceral afferent neurons (choice D) are responsible for transmitting sensory information from internal organs, not relevant to the woman's ability to identify individuals through touch on her face.

5. A patient is being treated with raloxifene (Evista) for osteoporosis. What should the nurse teach the patient about this medication?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to prevent bone loss. It should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, not on an empty stomach. Choices A and B are incorrect because raloxifene is indeed a SERM that prevents bone loss, but it does not directly work by increasing bone formation or decreasing bone resorption. Choice D is incorrect as weight gain and fluid retention are not common side effects of raloxifene.

Similar Questions

A patient is being treated for active tuberculosis with ethambutol (Myambutol). The patient states to the nurse that he cannot identify the red and green on the traffic lights when he is driving. Based on this finding, what medical intervention is most appropriate?
A patient is starting on atorvastatin (Lipitor) for hyperlipidemia. What important instruction should the nurse provide?
A patient is starting on a statin medication for hyperlipidemia. What critical instruction should the nurse provide?
A patient is starting on alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. What instructions should the nurse provide to ensure the effectiveness of the medication?
Which of the following is not included in the care plan of a client with moderate cognitive impairment involving dementia of the Alzheimer’s type?

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