Alzheimer’s disease nursing NCLEX quiz review for students! Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of dementia caused by the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibillary tangles in the brain. This causes the neurons to cease communication and eventually die. This disease is a chronic disease that progressively becomes
worst over years. It tends to affect older adults greater than the age of 65 years. This quiz will test your knowledge on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, the nurse’s role, communication techniques, stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, medications, and more. Before taking this quiz, you might want to review our Alzheimer’s disease video, or our
alzheimer’s disease NCLEX notes. NOTE: When you hit submit, it will refresh this same page. Scroll down to see your results.) Alzheimer’s Disease NCLEX Quiz Questions1. Which statement below is INCORRECT about Alzheimer’s disease?
The answer is B. Alzheimer’s disease is more likely to develop in WOMEN (not men) because they tend to live longer. All the other statements are true regarding AD. 2. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood. However, what two changes in the brain are found in a patient with this disease? Select all that apply:
The answers are B and D. Beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are found in a patient with AD. Option A (destruction of the myelin sheath) happens in multiple sclerosis, and option C (destruction of dopaminergic neurons) occurs in Parkinson’s disease. 3. A neuron is made up of a cell body which contains the nucleus. In addition, it has dendrites. What is the function of the dendrite?
The answer is B. Dendrites receive information for other nerves cells and take that information to the cell body. 4. True or False: The axon of a neuron takes information it receives away from the cell body and to other dendrites of neurons.
The answer is true. This is the function of an axon. 5. Surrounding the neuron are cells that help protect its ability to function. Which cell type provides safety to the neuron by removing dangerous material that could damage the neuron?
The answer is A: microglia These cells play a role with inflammation that is found in Alzheimer’s Disease. 6. In Alzheimer’s disease, what protein is responsible for creating amyloid beta peptides which develop into plaques?
The answer is C: Amyloid precursor proteins (APP) are responsible for creating amyloid beta peptides. These small peptides form together and create plaques outside the neuron called beta-amyloid plaques (this impedes neuron communication and causes death of the neuron). 7. Neurofibrillary tangles found in Alzheimer’s disease are made up of a protein called ________. What is the role of these proteins?
The answer is C: Neurofibrillary tangles found in Alzheimer’s disease are made up of a protein called Tau. Tau proteins provide structural strength to microtubules in the neuron. 8. In early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the hippocampus is affected. This part of the brain is responsible for what function(s)? Select all that apply:
The answers are: A, B, and C. The hippocampus tends to be affected first in AD. This structure is important for being able to learn new things, recall memories (especially recent ones), and navigation (due to its function with spatial memory). This structure is affected early on, and this is why patients start to have memory problems and can get lost easily (losing function of spatial memory). 9. Alzheimer’s disease also affects the neurons found in the outside layer that surrounds the top of the cerebrum. This area is made up of different lobes such as the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. What is this area of the brain called?
The answer is B: cerebral cortex It’s important to note that in advance cases of AD, the cerebral cortex will shrink, leading to brain atrophy. 10. A patient with Alzheimer’s disease is having trouble performing the movements needed to use their toothbrush for mouth care. This is described as?
The answer is B: Apraxia 11. Which finding in a patient with Alzheimer’s disease best describes the term agnosia?
The answer is A. Option b describes anomia, option c describes amnesia, option d describes apraxia. 12. You’re helping a patient with hygiene. The patient is having trouble asking you for a particular bathing item. The patient wants the soap bar but makes up a name for the item. This is known as what?
The answer is C: Anomia 13. A patient was recently diagnosed with Mild Alzheimer’s (Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease). What important educational topics should the nurse provide to this patient at this time? Select all that apply:
The answers are A, B, and D. There are no surgical options for AD and no curative treatment at this time. During this early-stage the patient is still able to function and be independent, but this will not last too long (may be a couple of years…depends on the patient) until they will need constant help. This is the time the nurse needs to tell the patient about the progression of the disease (what to expect), medications available, and the need for future planning. 14. A patient is starting to experience memory changes that are subtle but doesn’t affect their ability to function. For example, they are forgetting recent commitments and new people they’ve met or recent conversations. The patient reports feeling like “something just isn’t right”. This describes what stage of Alzheimer’s disease?
The answer is C: Mild Cognitive Impairment 15. Select all the correct options below that best describe the Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (Middle Stage) of AD?
The answers are: A, B, C, D, E, I. This is the longest stage that is very hard for the caregivers (family members etc.). Many caregivers, at some point, will experience fatigue and stress during this stage. The discussion of respite care for the caregiver should be discussed (this will help provide a temporary break for the caregiver). The patient is very active during this stage, but has confusion and impaired judgement. They must be supervised. In addition, they may have episode of mood swings, hallucinations, and wander, which may lead them to get lost or injured. 16. The nurse is providing routine care for a patient with Severe Alzheimer’s disease (late stage). The patient has no motor activities or language communication abilities. What are some nursing interventions the nurse can implement to promote patient interaction and communication? Select all that apply.
The answers are B, C, and D. Communication and interaction is still very essential in the late-stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Even though the patient may not be able to speak or move around, communication and interaction are vitally important for providing quality patient care and a loving environment for the patient. The nurse should try to incorporate nonverbal communication as much as possible like facial expression and body gestures. This is because even though the patient may not understand the words spoken, they may understand the nonverbal communication. Touch should be used when needed to reassurance or let the patient know you care along with soft music and other tools to provide a calm, interactive environment. 17. During the evening hours you notice your patient with Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (Middle Stage) begins to experience an increase in confusion, agitations, and hallucinations. What intervention below could the nurse implement to help decrease this occurrence?
The answer is B: Provide a relaxing and low noise environment in the evening This phenomenon is known as Sundowner’s Syndrome. Patients with AD can experience this during the evening hours. It can be triggered by exhaustion, low lighting (not experiencing enough contact with sunlight during the day), sickness, and medications. The nurse should promote a calm, relaxing environment and avoid stimulating activities that could cause fatigue. Caffeine (coffee) can make Sundowning worst. 18. You’re providing education about testing for Alzheimer’s disease. Which tests below can a patient have to check for beta-amyloid proteins in the brain? Select all that apply:
The answers are B and C. Currently, cerebrospinal fluid can be removed via a spinal tap to check for these proteins along with an amyloid PET scan. Recently, a new blood test has been created that can detected these proteins but may not be readily available for all patient at this time. 19. A patient is concerned about developing Alzheimer’s disease because their mother had the disease. What statement below could the nurse provide to the patient about genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease? Select all that apply:
The correct answers are B and C. 20. The nurse is helping a patient with Moderate Alzheimer’s disease (Middle Stage) participate in a task. When selecting a task for the patient, the nurse would want to make sure the task has?
The answer is B: clear simple directions. Patients with this stage of AD can follow directions that are simple and clear. It is best to avoid tasks that require multiple steps, critical thinking, and usage of multiple tools. This could confuse the patient and lead to outbursts of anger. 21. You’re providing education to a group of caregivers about wandering in Alzheimer’s disease. You ask the participants to verbalize signs a family member with this disease may be experiencing wandering. Which sign verbalized by a participant requires re-education?
The answer is C. Options A, B, D are all signs the patient is at risk for wandering. Wandering can lead the patient to become lost. Signs of wandering should be addressed and prevention measures should be taken to help protect the safety of the patient. 22. A family member who is the caregiver for a patient with Moderate Alzheimer’s disease (Middle Stage) asks for advice on safety measures that can be taken to keep the patient safe due to wandering. Which option below is NOT an appropriate safety measure for the caregiver to take?
The answer is C: Encourage social interaction by taking the patient to shopping mall. Wandering is experienced by many patients with AD. It tends to become worst during the early evening. Triggers for wandering include being in stressful, crowded, unfamiliar areas (avoid a shopping mall…they tend to be busy and unfamiliar for the patient), needs a basic need met like a bathroom, trying to do a routine they have always done before, or restless from inactivity (the patient needs regular exercise). 23. The nurse is speaking to a patient with Moderate Alzheimer’s disease (Middle Stage). The patient is sitting in the bedside chair and is about to eat breakfast. Which action by the nurse demonstrates the nurse knows how to communicate with this patient correctly?
The answer is B. This option is correct because the nurse is using a closed-ended question which requires a yes or no answer rather than an opened-ended like “what do you want to drink with breakfast?”. This type of question requires more thought and can confuse the patient. Option A is wrong because the nurse should approach the patient directly in the front rather than behind (this could scare the patient and lead to an emotional outburst). Option C is wrong because the nurse should eliminate outside noise so the patient can hear and concentrate on the conversation. Option D is wrong because the nurse should communicate on eye level rather than standing over the patient. The patient with AD may feel intimated by this. 24. A caregiver reports that their family member with Alzheimer’s disease does not have interest in eating. They request some advice on how to help their family member eat better. What intervention below would be incorrect for the nurse to give?
The answer is C. A person with AD can become easily overwhelmed, especially by a full plate of food. Therefore, it’s important to not overwhelm the patient with options, but to serve them one food item at a time that they like. 25. A patient with Alzheimer’s disease is prescribed a cholinesterase inhibitor. Which of the following medications below is NOT this type of medication?
The answer is C: Memantine This is a NMDA antagonist. 26. Select the statement below that best describes how Galantamine works to treat a patient with Alzheimer’s disease.
The answer is B. Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor and works to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase. 27. A patient taking a cholinesterase inhibitor is experiencing nausea and diarrhea. These side effects can be decreased by doing which of the following?
The answer is B. This medication group can lead to GI upset. If this occurs, administering the med with meals can help decrease this side effect. 28. A patient with Severe Alzheimer’s Disease is prescribed to take Memantine. Which statement best describes how this medication works to treat this disease?
The answer is C. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that limits how glutamate can engage the NMDA receptor in the brain. 29. What medication is relatively new that is given by IV infusion that can help decrease beta amyloid plaques in patients with Alzheimer’s disease?
The answer is D. Aducanumab. Before a patient takes this medication their doctor may order diagnostic testing to confirm plaques are present like spinal tap or amyloid PET scan. Side effects are a potential brain bleed or swelling and will need brain scans periodically to monitor the brain. More Free NCLEX Practice QuizzesPlease tell your friends about this quiz by sharing this link to this quiz on your Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. You can also take more fun nursing quizzes. *Disclaimer: While we do our best to provide students with accurate and in-depth study quizzes, this quiz/test is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please refer to the latest NCLEX review books for the latest updates in nursing. This quiz is copyright RegisteredNurseRn.com. Please do not copy this quiz directly; however, please feel free to share a link to this page with students, friends, and others. What is the purpose of rivastigmine?Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia (memory loss and mental changes) associated with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Rivastigmine will not cure or stop Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease from getting worse, however, rivastigmine can improve the thinking ability in some patients.
How does rivastigmine impact acetylcholine levels in the synaptic cleft?Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as rivastigmine, delay the breakdown of acetylcholine released into synaptic clefts and may enhance cholinergic neurotransmission.
Why are cholinesterase inhibitors used for Alzheimer's?Cholinesterase inhibitors result in higher concentrations of acetylcholine, leading to increased communication between nerve cells, which in turn, may temporarily improve or stabilise the symptoms of dementia.
How acetylcholinesterase inhibitors work in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?Treatment of Alzheimer's disease has been dominated by the use of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. These drugs compensate for the death of cholinergic neurons and offer symptomatic relief by inhibiting acetylcholine (ACh) turnover and restoring synaptic levels of this neurotransmitter.
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