Ch. 14

A gerontological nurse has been providing ongoing care for an older adult who has a diagnosis of dementia. What goal should the nurse prioritize when conducting ongoing assessment of this client?

Identifying factors affecting the client's functioning and quality of life

A client was diagnosed 3 years ago with a cognitive impairment, a condition that worsened over the next several months and which culminated in his recent death. An autopsy revealed numerous infarcted brain regions resulting from vessel occlusions. This client most likely suffered from which type of dementia?

Vascular dementia

A 74-year-old client is diagnosed with mild Alzheimer disease. He has no other noted health issues. When speaking with the nurse, he expresses concern regarding the progression of his disease. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

Yes, progression is usually fairly fast, you might want to start making plans.

A nurse teaches a client and care partner about cholinesterase inhibitors. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

"Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite can be prevented or reduced by starting with a low dose."

A nurse is conducting a class at a senior citizens' center on factors that protect against dementia. Which of the following statements by an older adult in the class indicates a need for further teaching by the nurse?

"No healthy lifestyle is going to ward off dementia."

An 80-year-old client was referred to a neurologist after several months of worsening cognitive deficits and has subsequently been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. Which statement by the nurse to the client's family demonstrates appropriate use of terminology?

"We always try our best to foster wellness in persons who have dementia."

A nurse councils a care partner of a client with dementia. The care partner states "He fights me when I try and bath him; he hasn't had a shower in 2 months!" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

"What other ways have you tried to assure he is clean?"

A nurse prepares to administer scheduled medications to a new resident with mild non-Alzheimer-type dementia. Which of the following type of medication should the nurse administer without concern of worsening delirium?

An anticholinergic

A intensive care nurse cares for an 83-year-old with sepsis. The client exhibits illogical thinking and agitation. Which intervention should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.)

Assess for pain. Assure a quiet, dark sleep time. Initiate fall prevention program. Post pictures of client's family in room.

A nurse observes an aide asking a client what he wants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while assisting him to toilet. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Direct the aide to present only one idea at a time.

Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention for the management of delirium?

Giving the client low-dose oxygenation and maintaining his or her fluid and electrolyte balance

A nurse develops a plan to addressing dementia-related behaviors in an older adult with dementia. Which of the following interventions should be included in this plan? (Select all that apply.)

Maintain a clutter-free environment. Implement regular rest periods. Place pictures of familiar people in very visible places. Lay out clothing in the order in which the items are to be donned.

Which of the following are examples of appropriate communication techniques for dealing effectively with people with dementia?

Maintain good eye contact and use a relaxed and smiling approach.

A long-time resident of an assisted living facility has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. A nurse who provides care at the facility has remarked to a colleague, "It's a real shame, but at least she'll never know what's happening to her." What fact should underlie the colleague's response?

Many persons with dementia are acutely aware of the fact that they are experiencing a cognitive deficit.

A nursing home is in the planning stages of building a new wing that will be specifically designed for the needs of older adults who have dementia. What design characteristic should be included in this new facility?

Pictures, signs, and color codes for identifying places