HESI Case Study: Alzheimer's Disease
(Early Onset) Exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Meet the Client
An older client who is widowed, is seen by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
(APRN), who is the healthcare provider (HCP) at the community ambulatory care
clinic. The client is accompanied by his daughter, who is concerned about his
increasing forgetfulness, anxiety, and wandering in the house at night. The client
has a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and non-insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and was diagnosed with Mild Neurocognitive disorder
due to Alzheimer's disease one year ago. The client's daughter moved into his
home 6 months ago to help care for him. She works full time as an engineer for
the city. The client has managed his ADLs and medication administration until this
past month. The client's daughter purchased a pill organizer to help him remember
to take his medication, and she leaves him prepared lunches when she goes to
work, which he forgets to eat.The n - ANSWER-**
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,**Onset and DiagnosisThe client is upset about visiting the clinic and tells the
office nurse that there is nothing wrong with him. The nurse notes that the client's
face is flushed and he is wringing his hands. He states that he does not know why
he is at the clinic and stands by the door, shuffling his feet.
Which is the best response by the nurse to the client's statement? - ANSWER-
State how worried the client looks and ask the how to make them more
comfortable.
**This response acknowledges the clients feelings and the word "worried" is
generally neutral.
Which of the following are risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease: (Select all that
apply. One, some, or all options may be correct.)
Select all that apply - ANSWER-Genetic predisposition.
**Genetic predisposition increases risk by 60-70 %.
History of head trauma.
**Brain injury is associated with a greater risk.
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, High cholesterol levels.
**Lifestyles associated with cardiovascular disease such as high cholesterol,
diabetes, and obesity increase the risk.
**The client responds that he is okay and ready to answer the nurses questions.
The nurse settles the client in a chair and begins the assessment.
While the client goes to the bathroom, his daughter says that her father just doesn't
act like himself anymore and asks why is this happening.
What is the best initial response by the nurse? - ANSWER-Tell the daughter that
changes in behavior and personality often occur as Alzheimer's disease progresses.
**Subtle changes in behavior and personality, which would easily be recognized by
a loved one, occur even in early Alzheimer's disease.
**The nurse administers a Mental Status Exam to assess the client's cognitive
functioning.
Which question gives the nurse the most information about the client's judgment?
- ANSWER-"If you smelled smoke in a movie theater, what would you do?"
©️COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3
(Early Onset) Exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
Meet the Client
An older client who is widowed, is seen by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
(APRN), who is the healthcare provider (HCP) at the community ambulatory care
clinic. The client is accompanied by his daughter, who is concerned about his
increasing forgetfulness, anxiety, and wandering in the house at night. The client
has a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and non-insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and was diagnosed with Mild Neurocognitive disorder
due to Alzheimer's disease one year ago. The client's daughter moved into his
home 6 months ago to help care for him. She works full time as an engineer for
the city. The client has managed his ADLs and medication administration until this
past month. The client's daughter purchased a pill organizer to help him remember
to take his medication, and she leaves him prepared lunches when she goes to
work, which he forgets to eat.The n - ANSWER-**
©️COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1
,**Onset and DiagnosisThe client is upset about visiting the clinic and tells the
office nurse that there is nothing wrong with him. The nurse notes that the client's
face is flushed and he is wringing his hands. He states that he does not know why
he is at the clinic and stands by the door, shuffling his feet.
Which is the best response by the nurse to the client's statement? - ANSWER-
State how worried the client looks and ask the how to make them more
comfortable.
**This response acknowledges the clients feelings and the word "worried" is
generally neutral.
Which of the following are risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease: (Select all that
apply. One, some, or all options may be correct.)
Select all that apply - ANSWER-Genetic predisposition.
**Genetic predisposition increases risk by 60-70 %.
History of head trauma.
**Brain injury is associated with a greater risk.
©️COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 2
, High cholesterol levels.
**Lifestyles associated with cardiovascular disease such as high cholesterol,
diabetes, and obesity increase the risk.
**The client responds that he is okay and ready to answer the nurses questions.
The nurse settles the client in a chair and begins the assessment.
While the client goes to the bathroom, his daughter says that her father just doesn't
act like himself anymore and asks why is this happening.
What is the best initial response by the nurse? - ANSWER-Tell the daughter that
changes in behavior and personality often occur as Alzheimer's disease progresses.
**Subtle changes in behavior and personality, which would easily be recognized by
a loved one, occur even in early Alzheimer's disease.
**The nurse administers a Mental Status Exam to assess the client's cognitive
functioning.
Which question gives the nurse the most information about the client's judgment?
- ANSWER-"If you smelled smoke in a movie theater, what would you do?"
©️COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3
