VALERIO, NOAH C.

3BSN7

Check for Understanding

A. Discussion Questions

1. What pathophysiologic changes are associated with AD?

-The loss of synapses and neurons caused by beta-amyloid deposition and
neurofibrillary tangles results in gross atrophy of the afflicted parts of the
brain, which commonly begins in the mesial temporal lobe..

2. How is a diagnosis of AD made?

-Physicians may utilize medical history, mental status tests, physical and
neurological exams, diagnostic tests, and brain imaging to diagnose
Alzheimer's disease. Doctors use tests to evaluate memory impairment and
other thinking skills, as well as to measure functioning abilities and detect
behavioral abnormalities. They also do a battery of tests to rule out any
other potential sources of impairment.

3. What progression of symptoms should G.D’s wife be told to expect of

the course of the disease?
Memory issues are usually one of the earliest indicators of Alzheimer's
disease-related cognitive decline. Non-memory components of cognition,
such as word finding, vision/spatial difficulties, and impaired thinking or
judgment, may also indicate Alzheimer's disease in its early stages.

4. What suggestions can the nurse make to relieve some of the stress
on the wife?

-Encourage the wife to share her burdens with other family members or
close friends, and to communicate openly and constructively about her
thoughts during family gatherings and casual discussions. This will relieve
the stress she is experiencing.

5. What community resources might be available to G.D and his wife?

-These therapies can help people who are worried or anxious: social
support, psychotherapy, cognitive or behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy,
supportive counseling, and other community programs and services.
available.
 6. Priority Decision : Based on the assessment data presented, what
are the priority nurse diagnosis for G.D? Are there any collaborative
problems?
-The priority nursing diagnosis for G.D. is based on the assessment data
supplied. Memory loss as a result of Alzheimer's disease.

7. Priority Decision : Based on the assessment data presented, what

are the priority nursing diagnosis for G.D’s wife? Are there any
collaborative problems?

-The priority nursing diagnosis for G. is based on the assessment data

supplied. D's wife is experiencing stress as a result of her family
responsibilities. In the case study, the collaboration issues include the
wife's sadness and depression as a result of his husband's health
(Alzheimer's disease).