Chapter 39: Cognitive Processes
1. The most common form of dementia is
a. Organic brain syndrome
b. Senile dementia
c. Delirium tremens
d. Alzheimers t ype
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Feedback:
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers t ype, which is
primary neuron al degeneration of unknown cause.
2. When a nurse makes a home visit and finds that a previousl y alert and
oriented elderl y client is demonstrating earl y signs of confusion, the nurse
suspects that the client may be experiencing the onset of
a. Infection
b. Hypergl ycemia
c. Hepatic encephalopathy
d. Hyperkalemia
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Feedback:
Altered cognitive function in an older adult may be the earliest
indication of an infectious process anywhere in the body.
,3. Which of the following problems is the most likel y physical cause of an
elderl y clients altered cognition?
a. Hypothyroidism
b. Hyperthyroidism
c. Hypopituitarism
d. Hyperparathyroidism
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Feedback:
Disorders that impair metabolic processes and oxygen use, such as
hypothermia and hypothyroidi sm, can also alter cognition. The bodys
inadequate intake or impaired use of glucose will limit the quantit y
available for the brains metabolic demands.
4. For optimal functioning, the brain requires a large amount of
a. Sodium
b. Magnesium
c. Glucose
d. Vitamin A
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Feedback:
The brain cells need glucose for metabolic energy and other nutrients
for optimal functioning. The brain consumes 25% of the glucose the
body uses.
, 5. A 78-year-old client has suffered a cerebrovascular accident. The famil y
inquires about the clients speech. The client has expressive aphasia. The
nurse explains the client will require a(n)
a. Speech pathologist
b. Physical therapist
c. Occupational therapist
d. Physiatrist
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Feedback:
Approximatel y 20% of all st roke survivors require the specialized
services of a speech pathologist to help them regain communication
skills.
6. An elderl y male client who has been smoking a pipe and cigar for more
than 30 years develops chronic hoarseness. The nurse understands that the
client is a risk for which alteration in cognitive function?
a. Memory
b. Thinking
c. Communication
d. Muscular dysfunction
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Feedback:
Communication may be altered by the functional impairment of speech
apparatus of the larynx, the abilit y to move air, the use of the tongue
and oral pharynx, and/or the innervation to each of these structures.
1. The most common form of dementia is
a. Organic brain syndrome
b. Senile dementia
c. Delirium tremens
d. Alzheimers t ype
CORRECT ANSWER: D
Feedback:
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers t ype, which is
primary neuron al degeneration of unknown cause.
2. When a nurse makes a home visit and finds that a previousl y alert and
oriented elderl y client is demonstrating earl y signs of confusion, the nurse
suspects that the client may be experiencing the onset of
a. Infection
b. Hypergl ycemia
c. Hepatic encephalopathy
d. Hyperkalemia
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Feedback:
Altered cognitive function in an older adult may be the earliest
indication of an infectious process anywhere in the body.
,3. Which of the following problems is the most likel y physical cause of an
elderl y clients altered cognition?
a. Hypothyroidism
b. Hyperthyroidism
c. Hypopituitarism
d. Hyperparathyroidism
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Feedback:
Disorders that impair metabolic processes and oxygen use, such as
hypothermia and hypothyroidi sm, can also alter cognition. The bodys
inadequate intake or impaired use of glucose will limit the quantit y
available for the brains metabolic demands.
4. For optimal functioning, the brain requires a large amount of
a. Sodium
b. Magnesium
c. Glucose
d. Vitamin A
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Feedback:
The brain cells need glucose for metabolic energy and other nutrients
for optimal functioning. The brain consumes 25% of the glucose the
body uses.
, 5. A 78-year-old client has suffered a cerebrovascular accident. The famil y
inquires about the clients speech. The client has expressive aphasia. The
nurse explains the client will require a(n)
a. Speech pathologist
b. Physical therapist
c. Occupational therapist
d. Physiatrist
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Feedback:
Approximatel y 20% of all st roke survivors require the specialized
services of a speech pathologist to help them regain communication
skills.
6. An elderl y male client who has been smoking a pipe and cigar for more
than 30 years develops chronic hoarseness. The nurse understands that the
client is a risk for which alteration in cognitive function?
a. Memory
b. Thinking
c. Communication
d. Muscular dysfunction
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Feedback:
Communication may be altered by the functional impairment of speech
apparatus of the larynx, the abilit y to move air, the use of the tongue
and oral pharynx, and/or the innervation to each of these structures.
