50 Questions
What is a key nursing intervention for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Promoting physical safety and independence in self-care activities
What type of environment helps Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients interpret their surroundings and activities?
Calm, predictable environment with limited stimuli and a regular routine
What type of environmental modifications can enhance orientation for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Prominently displayed clocks and calendars, color-coding doorways, and memory aids
What has been shown to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Active participation, physical activity, and communication
What is crucial for creating a safe home and hospital environment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Removing hazards, installing handrails, and ensuring adequate lighting
Why should restraint use be avoided for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Due to the risk of increasing agitation and injury
What makes it difficult for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients to maintain physical independence?
Pathophysiologic changes in the brain
What should be done to reduce anxiety and agitation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Keep the environment familiar and noise-free
What is important for effective communication with Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Remaining unhurried, reducing noise and distractions, and using clear, easy-to-understand sentences
What do nursing interventions for Alzheimer's disease (AD) aim to promote?
Adequate nutrition, balanced activity and rest, and support and educate family caregivers
What type of stimuli can be interpreted as signs of affection, concern, and security for patients with dementia?
Tactile stimuli
What is encouraged for patients with dementia to improve their quality of life?
Engaging in simple activities and hobbies
What should be kept simple and calm for patients with dementia during mealtime?
Meal options
What may require cueing and adaptive equipment for patients with dementia?
Adequate nutrition and hydration
What may caregivers need to identify in patients with dementia to prevent further health decline?
Underlying needs
What percentage of the home care required by patients with Alzheimer's disease is provided by family members?
83%
What may caregivers experience, contributing to caregiver fatigue, depression, and family dysfunction?
Feelings of guilt, nervousness, and worry
What should be reported to the local adult protective services agency if suspected?
Neglect or abuse of patients with dementia
What does the Alzheimer’s Association provide through community resources?
Family support groups, respite care, and adult day care
What is encouraged for spouses of patients with dementia regarding sexual activity?
Openly talking about any concerns
Which type of medications can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
Cholinesterase inhibitors
What is the primary goal in managing Alzheimer's disease?
Maintain mental function and manage cognitive and behavioral symptoms
Which intervention can help manage behavioral problems in Alzheimer's disease?
Music therapy
What is the role of nurses in the recognition of Alzheimer's disease?
Assessing for signs of AD in hospitalized older adults
Which neurotransmitter uptake is enhanced by cholinesterase inhibitors in the brain?
Acetylcholine
How long may cognitive ability improve within therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors?
6 to 12 months
What is the recommendation for the duration of treatment with rivastigmine for severe Alzheimer's disease?
Continue treatment as long as possible
How should nurses approach the reevaluation of Alzheimer's disease patients?
Routinely reevaluate all patients with AD
What is the goal of nursing interventions for Alzheimer's disease?
Promoting patient function and independence
How can associated depression and behavioral problems in Alzheimer's disease be treated if other interventions fail?
Pharmacologically
Which medication is indicated for severe Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
Rivastigmine tartrate
What is the primary goal in managing Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
Manage cognitive and behavioral symptoms
Which type of medication enhances acetylcholine uptake in the brain?
Rivastigmine tartrate
When may cognitive ability improve within the therapy of cholinesterase inhibitors?
Within 6-12 months
What can be used to manage behavioral problems such as agitation and psychosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Behavioral and other interventions such as music therapy
What is recommended for the treatment of associated depression and behavioral problems if other interventions fail?
Antidepressants
What role do nurses play in the recognition of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in hospitalized older adults?
Assessing for signs of AD
What is the aim of nursing interventions for Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
Promoting patient function and independence
What is crucial for creating a safe home and hospital environment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Consistent routines and familiar objects
What are nursing interventions for Alzheimer's disease (AD) aimed at promoting?
Patient function and independence
What is the primary goal in managing Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
Manage cognitive and behavioral symptoms
Which neurotransmitter uptake is enhanced by cholinesterase inhibitors in the brain?
Acetylcholine
How long may cognitive ability improve within therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors?
6-12 months
What is crucial for creating a safe home and hospital environment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Consistent and simple environment
What is the role of nurses in the recognition of Alzheimer's disease?
Assess for signs and symptoms
Which type of medications can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
Cholinesterase inhibitors
What may require cueing and adaptive equipment for patients with dementia?
Communication
What is encouraged for patients with dementia to improve their quality of life?
Engagement in familiar activities
What is important for effective communication with Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients?
Maintaining eye contact and using simple language
What makes it difficult for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients to maintain physical independence?
Memory impairment and confusion
Study Notes
Supporting Patients with Dementia
- In early stages of dementia, lists and simple written instructions can be helpful for patients.
- Tactile stimuli, such as hugs and hand pats, can be interpreted as signs of affection, concern, and security for patients.
- Socialization through visits, letters, and phone calls is encouraged for patients with dementia.
- Engaging in simple activities, hobbies, and socializing can improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
- Patients with dementia can continue to enjoy sexual activity, and spouses should be encouraged to talk about any concerns.
- Mealtime should be kept simple and calm, and patients prefer familiar foods that look appetizing and taste good.
- Adequate nutrition and hydration may require cueing and adaptive equipment for patients with dementia.
- Patients with dementia may exhibit sleep disturbances and wandering, so caregivers must identify underlying needs to prevent further health decline.
- Family members provide at least 83% of the home care required by patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- Caregivers may experience feelings of guilt, nervousness, and worry, contributing to caregiver fatigue, depression, and family dysfunction.
- Neglect or abuse of patients with dementia can occur, and suspected cases should be reported to the local adult protective services agency.
- The Alzheimer’s Association provides family support groups, respite care, and adult day care through community resources.
Test your knowledge on supporting patients with dementia with this quiz. Learn about effective communication, caregiving strategies, and resources available for patients and their families.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free