Dementia and Alzheimer's NCLEX Questions

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A patient in stage 3 Alzheimer's disease is likely to exhibit which of the following challenges?

Sudden onset of visual hallucinations.
Complete loss of long-term memory recall.
Inability to recognize familiar faces or objects.
Difficulty with navigation and potential disorientation while driving. (correct)

A patient with a neurocognitive disorder exhibits progressive memory loss, impaired cognitive function, verbal aggression, and frustration. Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate to manage these symptoms?

Implementing a structured daily routine. (correct)
Administering a PRN dose of a high-potency antipsychotic medication.
Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings in a group therapy setting.
Placing the patient in a quiet, dark room to minimize stimulation.

Which of the following non-pharmacological interventions is MOST likely to reduce anxiety and agitation in a client with dementia?

Administering a mild sedative before bedtime.
Engaging the client in physical activities such as dancing or rhythmic movement. (correct)
Limiting the client's fluid intake to reduce the need for toileting.
Isolating the client in a quiet room to minimize sensory stimulation.

Which characteristic is MOST indicative of delirium rather than dementia?

Rapid change in cognition over a short period. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a neurocognitive disorder and delirium is prescribed a low-dose antipsychotic medication. What is the MOST critical consideration for the nurse regarding this medication?

Understanding the black box warning related to increased mortality risk in elderly patients. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A client taking Citalopram (Celexa) reports feeling excessively drowsy throughout the day. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Instruct the client to take the medication at night. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient has been prescribed sertraline for depression. What crucial instruction should the nurse provide regarding alcohol consumption?

Avoid drinking alcohol entirely during sertraline therapy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing statement would be most therapeutic when counseling a patient expressing suicidal thoughts?

"Tell me about which problems are the most important to you." (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is starting on a new SSRI prescription. What essential information should the nurse include in the education for the patient and their family?

There is a risk of increased suicidal thoughts at the beginning of treatment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sets of factors would most significantly elevate an individual's suicide risk?

Family history of suicide, untreated depression, and poor interpersonal relationships. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a client diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Validating the client's feelings and experiences. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is caring for a client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Which understanding is most important for the nurse to have?

Performing repetitive actions significantly reduces the client's anxiety. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A client witnessed their parents' murder as a child. Which psychological response is the client most likely to develop?

Conversion disorder (D) Signup and view all the answers

What assessment finding would the nurse most likely expect in a client diagnosed with illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)?

Constant worry about having undiagnosed and serious medical conditions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What discharge instruction is most important for a client with anxiety and phobias?

Explore the underlying feelings that are causing the irrational fears. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient states, "I still have anxiety, but I have found ways to prevent it at a high level." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

"That's a positive step. Tell me more about the strategies you're using." (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports severe back pain rated 9/10, but the nurse suspects factitious disorder. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Treat the patient's reported pain level with appropriate interventions; do not determine the legitimacy of the pain. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends 45 minutes washing their hands repeatedly. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

Discuss the feelings and anxiety that are provoking the compulsive behavior. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with Alzheimer's disease scores a 12 on the Hamilton Depression Scale. How would this be interpreted?

Mild depression (C) Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking an antidepressant begins to show increased energy. What is the MOST important consideration for the nursing staff?

Increased risk for suicide (D) Signup and view all the answers

A nurse is teaching a patient who is starting Zoloft. What sign/symptom should the nurse instruct the client to watch for that indicates serotonin syndrome?

Agitation, rapid heart rate, and increased temperature (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient has been prescribed Celexa but reports not feeling any different after two weeks. What is the MOST appropriate nursing intervention?

Encourage the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms are MOST indicative of major depressive disorder?

Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness (B) Signup and view all the answers

For which of the following patients would electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) be MOST appropriate?

A client with severe depression who is actively suicidal (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is MOST appropriate for a client with persistent depressive disorder?

Group therapy (B) Signup and view all the answers

During cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a patient is encouraged to replace negative thoughts. Which thought is an example of a thought replacement?

"This is a difficult situation, but I can learn and grow from it." (C) Signup and view all the answers

A client reports symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). When do these symptoms typically subside?

2-3 days after menstruation begins (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient states, "I wish I wasn't here anymore." What should be the nurse's immediate response?

"Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself? Do you have a plan?" (A) Signup and view all the answers

Alzheimer's Stage 3

Mild cognitive decline; trouble navigating familiar places.

Neuro-cog Disorder Intervention

Schedule structured daily routines to minimize frustration and aggression.