A patient has dementia. The health care provider wants to make a differential diagnosis between Alzheimer disease and multiple infarctions. Which diagnostic procedure should a nurse expect to prepare the patient for first?
a. Computed tomography (CT) scan
b. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
c. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
d. Single-photon–emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan
ANS: A
A CT scan shows the presence or absence of structural changes, including cortical atrophy, ventricular enlargement, and areas of infarction—information that will be helpful to the health care provider. The other tests focus on brain activity and are more expensive; they may be ordered later.
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Aging has a great effect on the ability to exercise. Which of the following is most important for gerontological nurses to remember in recommending individual exercise routines for older clients?
A) Sweat gland activity is decreased, so older persons require less water during exercise. B) The stroke volume is reduced, but is usually adequate during mild exercise. C) The body surface area is reduced, so older persons are less susceptible to heat stroke. D) Grip strength is decreased, so the number and size of muscle fibers consequently decline.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a sleep disorder who tells the nurse that she is considering drinking chamomile tea at night in order to help her sleep. The nurse knows to provide patient education to avoid concurrent use of chamomile with which
class of medication? 1. Anticoagulant 2. Anticholinergic 3. Antidepressant 4. Antiemetic
The nurse is doing a training session with a group of peers on the genitourinary system. Which is a major function of the kidneys?
A) Produce white blood cells B) Remove carbon dioxide C) Circulate cerebrospinal fluid D) Regulate blood pressure
The nurse working with the parents of a child with congenital hypothyroidism will encourage the parents to agree to treatment of the hypothyroidism as soon as possible for which of the following reasons?
a. A delay in treatment is associated with lower mean IQ. b. The parents may change their mind if allowed to wait for the decision. c. The problem is more difficult to correct as the child gets older. d. The cost will be more the longer the parents wait to begin treatment.