Nursing Elites

1. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of dementia of the Alzheimer type?

• A. There is a genetic predisposition and dysregulation of neurotransmitters.
• B. The dementia is transient and secondary to a physical imbalance or disorder.
• C. Hypoxia and decreased perfusion of select areas of the brain cause tissue damage.
• D. The presence of amyloid plaques is associated with brain tissue destruction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In Alzheimer's disease, the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain is a hallmark feature. These plaques are associated with the destruction of brain tissue, contributing to the cognitive decline seen in dementia. Genetic predisposition and dysregulation of neurotransmitters are factors linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, but the primary pathology lies in the amyloid plaques. Transient dementia is not characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Hypoxia and decreased perfusion are more typical of vascular dementia, where blood flow to the brain is compromised.

2. What step should be taken when administering ear drops to an adult client?

• A. Place the client in a side-lying position.
• B. Hold the dropper 1 cm above the ear canal.
• C. Place a cotton ball into the outermost canal.
• D. Pull the auricle down and back.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct step when administering ear drops to an adult client is to place the client in a side-lying position (A). This position allows for easier administration of the drops and helps prevent spillage. The dropper should be held approximately 1 cm (� inch) above the ear canal (B) to ensure accurate delivery of the medication. Placing a cotton ball into the outermost canal (C) is unnecessary and may interfere with the absorption of the ear drops. Pulling the auricle down and back (D) is a technique used for children younger than 3 years old to straighten the ear canal, but it is not necessary for adults and may cause discomfort.

3. A client with generalized anxiety disorder presents with restlessness and fatigue. Which additional clinical manifestation would the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hoarding
• B. Panic attacks
• C. Excessive worry
• D. Fear of leaving the house

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse would monitor for excessive worry. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by physical and cognitive symptoms of chronic or excessive anxiety and worry. Excessive worry is a core feature of generalized anxiety disorder. Hoarding is a symptom of hoarding disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are typical of panic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder. Fear of leaving the house is a characteristic of agoraphobia, which is distinct from generalized anxiety disorder.

4. After undergoing dilation and curettage following an early miscarriage, a client is crying. Which response would the nurse give?

• A. ''This must be a very difficult experience for you to deal with.''
• B. 'You'll have other children to take the place of the child you lost.''
• C. 'Of course you're sad now, but at least you know you can get pregnant.''
• D. 'I know how you feel, but when a woman miscarries, it's usually for the best.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response acknowledges the client's grief without judgment and provides validation. Choice B is inappropriate as it suggests replacing the lost child with other children, which is insensitive and dismissive of the client's current loss. Choice C minimizes the client's feelings by focusing on the ability to get pregnant rather than addressing the emotional impact of the miscarriage. Choice D is dismissive and patronizing, suggesting that the miscarriage was for the best, which can be hurtful and diminish the client's grief.

5. For which condition would electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) be used?

• A. Severe clinical depression
• B. Substance abuse disorders
• C. Antisocial personality disorder
• D. Psychosis occurring in schizophrenia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indicated for severe clinical depression, especially in cases where clients do not respond well to psychotropic medications or require immediate intervention due to the severity of their depression. ECT is not typically used as a primary treatment for substance abuse disorders, antisocial personality disorder, or psychosis occurring in schizophrenia. While ECT is an effective intervention for severe depression, it is important to consider individual client needs and response to other treatment options before resorting to ECT.

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